Prevalence and Impact of Bacterial Infections in Children With Liver Disease-A Prospective Study.

Background and aims: Risk of infections is increased in patients with Acute Liver Failure (ALF) and Decompensated Chronic Liver Disease (DCLD). We evaluated the frequency, site, type and risk-factors for bacterial infections in children with ALF and DCLD and its effect on outcome.

Methods: ALF or DCLD children were enrolled prospectively. Clinical and laboratory details were recorded. Cultures (blood, urine and ascites) and chest X-ray were done at admission followed by weekly surveillance cultures.

Results: 173 patients, 68 ALF and 105 DCLD were enrolled. Infections were more common in DCLD than ALF (60/105 [57.1%] vs. 27/68 [39.7%]; P  = 0.02). Ascitic fluid infection, pneumonia, urinary tract infection and bacteremia were seen in 19%, 17.9%, 13.2% and 12.1% patients respectively. Healthcare-Associated (HCA) infections were most frequent (39/87, 44.8%), followed by Nosocomial (NC, 32%) and Community-Acquired (CA, 23%). Nearly 3/4th of bacterial isolates were resistant to cephalosporins and quinolones, 23% being Multiresistant Bacteria (MRB). DCLD patients with infection had higher Child-Pugh Score (10 [6-14] vs. 7 [6-14]; OR 3.2 [1.77-5.10]: P  = 0.007), need for ICU care (26/60 vs. 3/45; OR 10.70 [2.98-38.42]: P  = 0.01), in-hospital mortality (24/60 vs. 8/45;OR 3.08 [1.22-7.75]: P  = 0.04) and mortality at 3 month follow-up (32/60 vs. 9/45; OR 4.57 [1.87-11.12]: P  = 0.00). Infection did not affect the outcome in ALF.

Conclusion: Infections develop in 40% ALF and 57% DCLD children. HCA and NC infections account for 77% of infections. Most culture isolates are resistant to cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones and 23% have MRB. Risk of infections is higher in DCLD patients with advanced liver disease.