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Neonatal and infantile cholestasis (NIC) can represent the onset of a surgically correctable disease and of a genetic or metabolic disorder worthy of medical treatment. Timely recognition of NIC and identification of the underlying etiology are paramount to improve outcomes. Upon invitation by the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), an expert working grouped was formed to formulate evidence-based positions on current knowledge about the diagnosis of NIC. A systematic literature search was conducted to collect evidence about epidemiology, etiology, clinical aspects and accuracy of available diagnostic tests in NIC. Evidence was scored using the GRADE system. All recommendations were approved by a panel of experts upon agreement of at least 75% of the members. The final document was approved by all the panel components. This position document summarizes the collected statements and defines the best-evidence diagnostic approach to cholestasis in the first year of life.

Background Autoimmune liver disease (AILD) includes autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (ASC). AILD is often associated with other extra-hepatic immune-mediated disorders (EDs), but there are few pediatric studies available to date. In this study we evaluated the association between AILD and EDs in our pediatric series. Methods In this single centre retrospective study 48 patients (39 AIH and 9 ASC children) were evaluated. Thirty-six children were primarily referred to our Centre for liver disease suspicion, while the remaining twelve had a previous diagnosis of EDs. All the patients were screened for various EDs at AILD diagnosis and yearly during the follow-up. Results Mean duration of follow-up was 9 years and 1 month. Twenty-two (46%) patients had a diagnosis of EDs. Ulcerative colitis (UC) was the most frequent EDs (9 patients), followed by autoimmune thyroid disease (5 patients) and celiac disease (5 patients). In 7 out of 9 UC patients, ASC was present. Conclusions Our study showed a high association (46%) between AILD and EDs. In particular, in 8 out of 9 ASC patients UC was diagnosed (p-value 0.007). It is important to look for EDs in AILD children and, conversely, AILD in EDs children with abnormal liver function tests.

Background Glycogen storage diseases (GSD) type VI and IX are caused by liver phosphorylase system deficiencies and the two types are clinically indistinguishable. Aim As the role of liver biopsy is increasingly questioned, we aim to assess its current value in clinical practice. Methods We retrospectively reviewed children with diagnosis of GSD VI and IX at a paediatric liver centre between 2001 and 2018. Clinical features, molecular analysis and imaging were reviewed. Liver histology was reassessed by a single histopatologist. Results Twenty-two cases were identified (9 type VI, 9 IXa, 1 IXb and 3 IXc). Features at presentation were hepatomegaly (95%), deranged AST (81%), short stature (50%) and failure to thrive (4%). Liver biopsy was performed in 19 patients. Fibrosis varied in GSD IXa with METAVIR score between F1-F3 and ISHAK score of F2-F5. METAVIR score was F2-F3 in GSD VI and F3-F4 in GSD IXc. Hepatocyte glycogenation, mild steatosis, lobular inflammatory activity and periportal copper binding protein staining were also demonstrated. Conclusions Although GSD VI and IX are considered clinically mild, chronic histological changes of varying severity could be seen in all liver biopsies. Histopathological assessment of the liver involvement is superior to biochemical parameters, but definitive classification requires a mutational analysis.

and umbilical venous catheter (UVC) placement, neonatal illnesses, type of presentation, results on pro-thrombotic screening and features at the last follow up. Results: We collected data on 187 patients from 9 centres; 46% were female, mean age at diagnosis was 3.8 years (SD 3.7). The neonatal associated factors were: presence of prematurity in 102/172 (59%), neonatal illnesses 70/132 (53%), history of UVC 107/165 (65%), congenital malformations 26/132 (19%), deep infections 11/132 (5%). The type of presentation was: detection of splenomegaly in 68 (39.5%), GI bleeding in 63 (37%), hypersplenism in 9 (5.2%), incidental in 32/172 patients (18%); 87% had oesophageal varices. Pro-thrombotic screening was positive in 30/76 (39.4%). After a follow up of 11.2 years (SD 4.8) 66% had been managed conservatively, 34% underwent surgery or TIPS. On univariate analysis a huge splenomegaly, GI bleeding and severe hypersplenism were predictors of surgery or TIPS (p