Etiology of chronic liver disease in Iraqi children, with special emphasis on the role of liver biopsy

Objectives: Pathology of liver diseases in children differ from that of the adult. In this study we reviewed data obtained from of liver biopsies, in addition to other supplementary investigations, to determine common causes of liver diseases in Iraqi children. Methodology: Eighty liver biopsies were performed, between January 2009 – March 2010, for the diagnosis of various liver related diseases in children, at the Children’s Welfare hospital, in addition to other complimentary tests, as required. Results: Various types of congenital inborn errors of metabolism formed the major part of liver diseases in the studied sample (41%), followed by various types of congenital familial intarhepatic cholestasis. Autoimmune hepatitis accounted for 7.5% of the cases, and was the most frequent diagnosis in those older than two years. Conclusion: Liver biopsy (with ultrasound guidance) was a safe procedure. Appropriate biopsy sample was obtained with the spring loaded needles. Heriditiry, familial causes of liver diseases were the most common, requiring efforts for the diagnosis and treatment of such diseases.