Paediatric acute liver failure: A prospective, nationwide, population-based surveillance study in Germany.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Paediatric acute liver failure (PALF) is a rare but life-threatening condition, yet comprehensive epidemiological data in Germany are lacking. Our study aimed to systematically analyse incidence, aetiology, and outcome of PALF in Germany.

Methods

In a nationwide, population-based surveillance study, cases of PALF (defined following the PALF study group inclusion criteria) were queried from 2016 to 2018 through the German Paediatric Surveillance Unit (ESPED). Demographic, clinical, laboratory, therapeutic, and outcome data were collected and analysed. In case of unexplained aetiology, whole exome and virus sequencing was offered as a complementary diagnostic.

Results

Over the 3-year period, 148 cases were reported, yielding an estimated incidence of 3.7 per

SUBMITTER: Lenz D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12408955 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature