Liver biopsy – evolution in recent cases

Abstract

The A.A. analysed the results of liver biopsies performed in their Services, with the purpose
of evaluating the evolution of the practice related to the performance of the diagnostic procedure. The liver biopsies performed in the Medicina 2 Services, from 1989 to 2001, were analysed. The procedure was identified in the Hospital data base using the code 50.11 (CID-9).
There were 610 liver biopsies registered during the study period. Two populations were evaluated in greater detail. One comprising the cases from 1991/1992 (n=66) – group A -, comparing it with the second group from 2000/2001
(n=106) – group B. Several clinical and laboratorial parameters were analyzed in 48 patients
in group A (72, 7 %) and 85 in group B (80, 2 %).
From the results obtained, the authors point
out and comment on the significant rise in programmed liver biopsies compared to those performed in inpatients, in the most recent group(B) and a larger number of cases that were discharged the same day of the procedure. The advent
of interventional radiology was also noted in this
paper; the performance of CAT scan guided liver biopsies in 12 % of the episodes in group B,
as compared to none in group A. Where indications were respected, there were less procedures for diagnosis / staging of alcoholic liver disease and more to evaluate isolated altered liver enzymes, liver masses and control of pre and
post hepatic transplant. From the diagnosis established with the aid of this technique, the authors highlight the prevalence of non alcoholic steatohepatitis in the most recent group.