JPGN reports · 2 authors, 1 centre
This summary was generated by AI from a single paper. It has not been reviewed by a clinician and is not clinical advice. Verify against the source before acting on it.
A nationwide survey of Canadian academic pediatric hepatologists found significant variability in the clinical practices and management of children with Fontan-Associated Liver Disease (FALD), with differences in screening, monitoring, and follow-up protocols across centers.
A nationwide electronic survey was distributed to pediatric hepatologists at university-affiliated hospitals in Canada via the Canadian Pediatric Hepatology Research Group. From 12 respondents across 12 centers, the study found wide variability in care patterns. This included differences in the use of multidisciplinary teams, screening for comorbidities, noninvasive fibrosis assessment methods, timing of liver biopsy, and frequency of outpatient follow-up. Treatment was largely limited to education and counseling. A formal adult care transition plan existed at only 58% of centers. The study identifies a need for standardized protocols. Limitations include the survey-based design, potential for subjective responses, and a relatively low number of participating centers, though this reflects the national academic landscape.
