Liver disease in children and Adolescents with Type1 Diabetes Mellitus

Glycogenic hepatopathy (GH) is a very rare complication seen mostly in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in whom glycemic control has been poor for a long time. We assessed liver diseases in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus by detection of elevated liver transaminases and confirmed by fibro scan and ultrasound. One hundred and seven children and adolescents with T1DM were subjected to detailed history, physical examination, laboratory investigation and radiological investigation. Liver transaminases, mean HbA1c and pelviabdominal ultrasound were done for all patients while fibro scan for those with elevated liver enzymes only. Patients with elevated liver enzymes were reassessed after one year. Only nine of our patients have elevated liver enzymes. HbA1c and fibro scan abnormalities (F stage) were significantly higher in patients with elevated liver enzymes. (p < 0.001) After follow up a significant decrease in liver enzymes, fibro scan abnormalities and HbA1c in the group with elevated liver enzymes initially was detected. (p < 0.001) We concluded that liver disease is not a common complication in patients with long standing uncontrolled diabetes which can be reversed after proper control.