Hepatic hydatid disease in children and adults living in different areas in Turkey

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical features of the hepatic hydatid disease in the operated children and adults living in the east and west part of Turkey.

METHODS: Between January 2001 and May 2005, 105 patients were operated with the diagnosis of hepatic hydatid cyst in Trakya and Yuzuncu Yil University Hospitals, Turkey. The patients (n=105) were retrospectively evaluated in 4 groups; Edirne Ch: (18 children under 18 year-old) and Edirne Ad: (20 adults) were from Edirne, Van Ch: (22 children under 18 year-old) and Van Ad: (44 adults) from Van. The patients in each group were analyzed according to their clinical and radiological findings.

RESULTS: The frequency of hepatic hydatid cysts in children was significantly higher in boys in Edirne Ch group and in girls in Van Ch group (p<0.05). In adults, the disease was also seen significantly higher in males in Edirne Ad group and females in Van Ad group (p<0.05). There were no difference symptoms of the disease, concomitant extra hepatic cysts and total cyst number in children and adults in the same region (p>0.05). The number of huge hepatic cysts and history of contact with animal were more common in children and adults living in Van.

CONCLUSION: While the course of hepatic hydatid disease has the similar clinical features among the children and adults in the same region, remarkable regional differences have been found on it.