REX SHUNT IN CHILDREN: COULD DYSFUNCTION BE PROGNOSED? A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

The aim: To analyze retrospectively our experience of Rex shunt in children with symptomatic portal hypertension, its effect on hypersplenism regression and varices eradication, assess shunt survival and investigate risk factors, that could lead to shunt dysfunction and thrombosis. Materials and methods: 24 children (16 males, 8 females) ,with portal hypertension included into the study. All surgeries were performed within single center in a period from January 2010 to March 2022. Follow up period was 6.75±1.19 years. Results: Age at diagnosis was 5.39±0.64 years. 5 (20.8%) had umbilical catheter in anamnesis. 16 (66.7%) manifested bleeding episodes as the first sign of portal hypertension. 9 (37.5%) of children manifested severe hypersplenism. Age at Rex shunting was 7.5±0.7 years. In 7 (31.8%) cases Rex shunt thrombosis occurred. 1 successful thrombectomy and 6 splenorenal shunting were performed. Kaplan-Meyer analysis showed Rex shunt survival 0.670 (95%CI 0.420-0.831). Logistic regression model indicated thrombocytes count (p=0.0423) and cytopenia (p=0.0272) as factors that could influence shunt thrombosis. Follow-up group included 18 patients. Spleen volume regression became significant by 1 p/o year p<0,05, thrombocytes significant increasement reached in 1 p/o months (p<0.01), varices involution was achieved by 1 p/o year (p<0,001). Conclusions: Rex shunt effectiveness in study group was 70.9%., shunt survival assessed 0.670 (95%CI 0.420-0.831). Rex shunt was effective in bleeding prophylaxis in all patients of follow up group. Preoperative thrombocytes count (p=0.0423) and cytopenia (p=0.0272) were detected as factors that could influence shunt thrombosis, that is to be considered in RS preoperative period and require following studies.