Srivastava, K LMittal, AKumar, AGupta, SNatu, S MKumar, RGovil, Y C1998-04-012009-05-291998-04-012009-05-291998-04-01Srivastava KL, Mittal A, Kumar A, Gupta S, Natu SM, Kumar R, Govil YC. Predictors of outcome in fulminant hepatic failure in children. Indian Journal of Gastroenterology. 1998 Apr; 17(2): 43-5http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/64212OBJECTIVE: To identify the predictors of outcome in fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) in children. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: 41 children with FHF were studied. Patient characteristics and findings on examination at the time of hospitalization were noted. Serum biochemistry and screening for hepatotropic viruses (A, B and C) were done in each patient. Patients were treated using a predefined protocol and followed up till death or discharge. Univariate and multivariate analysis was done to find the predictors of outcome. RESULTS: Hepatitis B was the commonest cause of FHF (11 children; 26.9%). Markers for hepatitis A and C viruses were present in one and two patients, respectively. Serology was negative in 27 children (65.9%), of whom two had history of ingestion of hepatotoxins (antitubercular drugs). The overall mortality was 61%. Irrespective of etiology, the following factors were associated with poor outcome on univariate analysis: presence of gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage, serum bilirubin more than 10 mg/dL, age 6 years or less, coma of grade 3 or more, presence of infection, prolongation of prothrombin time > 8 s over control, prothrombin concentration < 50%, hypoglycemia (blood glucose < 45 mg/dL), hyponatremia (serum sodium < 125 mEq/L) and hyperkalemia (serum potassium > 5.5 mEq/L). On multiple logistic regression analysis, presence of GI hemorrhage (p = 0.005), degree of coma (p = 0.02) and serum bilirubin level (p = 0.025) were identified as independent predictors of mortality.engChildChild, PreschoolFemaleHepatic Encephalopathy --etiologyHepatitis, Viral, Human --complicationsHumansIndia --epidemiologyInfantLogistic ModelsMalePrognosisProspective StudiesRisk FactorsStatistics, NonparametricSurvival RateJournal Article