Project of Gurbakhshish Singh - Growth Retardation in EHPVO

Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) is an important cause of noncirrhotic portal hypertension in the developing countries (up to 30% of all variceal bleeders) and is second to cirrhosis in the West (up to 5-10%). EHPVO is also the most common cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in children. It accounts for almost 70% of pediatric patients with portal hypertension. EHPVO occurring in the pre-pubertal period could result in growth retardation in around 50% of the children. Reduced portal blood supply to the liver, resistance to growth hormone function and reduced insulin-like growth factor has been hypothesized for growth retardation. This study aimed to find out whether digestive or endocrine abnormality is responsible for growth retardation in EHPVO.