Management of Biliary Atresia in France 1986 to 2015: Long-term Results

Awareness, referral and age at Kasai surgery for biliary atresia in Europe: A survey of the Quality-of-Care Task Force of ESPGHAN

OBJECTIVES

To identify infants with biliary atresia (BA), European Society of Paediatric Gastroenteroloy and Nutrition (ESPGHAN)/North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenteroloy and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) guidelines recommend measurement of conjugated/direct bilirubin in infants with prolonged jaundice and using a stool colour card (SCC). The 'Quality of Care' Task Force of ESPGHAN performed two surveys to assess current case finding for BA and age at Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE).

METHODS

The first survey approached 26 European hepatology centres to report age at referral and age at KPE of all infants diagnosed with BA from 2015 to 2019. The second survey targeted paediatricians in France to assess awareness and compliance with the recently introduced SCC.

RESULTS

Data from 785 patients with BA from 18 centres in 15 countries revealed a mean age at referral to tertiary centre of 55 days (median 53, IQR 48-60) (n = 636). The mean age at KPE was 61 days (median 60; IQR 54-67) (n = 772). For 6% of patients, cirrhosis was too advanced for surgery. Of 392 paediatricians answering the second survey, 53% felt familiar with the target diseases, 80% correctly identified cholestasis and 59% always inquired about the infant's stool colour. If abnormal, 93% would order blood tests and 85% call for advice. The SCC screening was considered helpful for case finding and improving knowledge of cholestatic diseases by 62% and 45% paediatricians, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Referral of infants for KPE remains late, indicating low adherence to search for cholestasis in icteric infants by age 2-3 weeks. Knowledge and structures need improvement to allow earlier guideline conform case finding, diagnosis and therapy.

Major surgical conditions of childhood and their lifelong implications: comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

In recent decades, the survival of children with congenital anomalies and paediatric cancer has improved dramatically such that there has been a steady shift towards understanding their lifelong health outcomes. Paediatric surgeons will actively manage such conditions in childhood and adolescence, however, adult surgeons must later care for these 'grown-ups' in adulthood. This article aims to highlight some of those rare disorders encountered by paediatric surgeons requiring long-term follow-up, their management in childhood and their survivorship impact, in order that the adult specialist may be better equipped with skills and knowledge to manage these patients into adulthood.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify relevant publications. Research studies, review articles and guidelines were sought, focusing on the paediatric management and long-term outcomes of surgical conditions of childhood. The article has been written for adult surgeon readership.

RESULTS

This article describes the aforementioned conditions, their management in childhood and their lifelong implications, including: oesophageal atresia, tracheo-oesophageal fistula, malrotation, short bowel syndrome, duodenal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, choledochal malformations, biliary atresia, Hirschsprung disease, anorectal malformations, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, congenital lung lesions and paediatric cancer.

CONCLUSION

The increasing survivorship of children affected by surgical conditions will translate into a growing population of adults with lifelong conditions and specialist healthcare needs. The importance of transition from childhood to adulthood is becoming realized. It is hoped that this timely review will enthuse the readership to offer care for such vulnerable patients, and to collaborate with paediatric surgeons in providing successful and seamless transitional care.

Distinct effects of racial and socioeconomic disparities on biliary atresia diagnosis and outcome

OBJECTIVES

To identify and distinguish between racial and socioeconomic disparities in age at hepatology care, diagnosis, access to surgical therapy, and liver transplant-free survival in patients with biliary atresia (BA).

METHODS

Single-center retrospective cohort study of 69 BA patients from 2010 to 2021. Patients were grouped into White and non-White cohorts. The socioeconomic milieu was analyzed utilizing neighborhood deprivation index, a census tract-based calculation of six socioeconomic variables. The primary outcomes of this study were timing of the first hepatology encounter, surgical treatment with hepatic portoenterostomy (HPE), and survival with native liver (SNL) at 2 years.

RESULTS

Patients were 55% male and 72% White. White patients were referred at a median of 34 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 17-65) vs. 67 days (IQR: 42-133; p = 0.001) in non-White patients. White infants were more likely to undergo HPE (42/50 patients; 84%) compared to non-White (10/19; 53%), odds ratio (OR) 4.73 (95% confidence interval: 1.46-15.31; p = 0.01). Independent of race, patients exposed to increased neighborhood-level deprivation were less likely to receive HPE (OR: 0.49, p = 0.04) and achieve SNL (OR: 0.54, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Racial and socioeconomic disparities are independently associated with timely BA diagnosis, access to surgical treatment, and transplant-free survival. Public health approaches to improve screening for pathologic jaundice in infants of diverse racial backgrounds and to test and implement interventions for socioeconomically at-risk families are needed.

Primary Liver Transplant in Biliary Atresia: The Case for and Against

The role of liver transplantation as a primary procedure in biliary atresia has been argued over for at least 40 years, indeed since the coming of age of safe liver transplantation during the 1980s. Yet, it is not a common option in most series (usually ≤5%) and typically reserved for those with late presentations (arguably >100 days) with established cirrhosis. This review presents the pros and cons of primary liver transplant. The pros are based upon the observation that at best a Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) is simply palliative in most, and at worse has no effect whatsoever on restoration of bile flow and is therefore pointless. Set against this are the cons: there is a dearth of prognostic tests (clinical, biochemical, or histological) at the time of presentation which may predict inevitable failure; the possibility of long-term native liver survival to adulthood in a proportion (albeit a minority); and the implied increased need for donor organs suitable for infants - a stressor for an already overstressed system. Improving results from KPE in terms of increasing the proportions clearing their jaundice and minimizing the effects of chronic liver fibrosis and cirrhosis would surely limit the siren calls for primary transplants but the key must be better discrimination at presentation with the use of biomarkers (circulatory or histological, individually or together) to enable better decision making.

Diseases of bile duct in children

Several diseases originate from bile duct pathology. Despite studies on these diseases, certain etiologies of some of them still cannot be concluded. The most common disease of the bile duct in newborns is biliary atresia, whose prognosis varies according to the age of surgical correction. Other diseases such as Alagille syndrome, inspissated bile duct syndrome, and choledochal cysts are also time-sensitive because they can cause severe liver damage due to obstruction. The majority of these diseases present with cholestatic jaundice in the newborn or infant period, which is quite difficult to differentiate regarding clinical acumen and initial investigations. Intraoperative cholangiography is potentially necessary to make an accurate diagnosis, and further treatment will be performed synchronously or planned as findings suggest. This article provides a concise review of bile duct diseases, with interesting cases.

Transition care to adolescent hepatology in a tertiary center for rare adult-child liver disease

AIMS

This study analyzed the results of a transition program in a patient population with a rare liver disease of pediatric onset.

METHOD

Data were collected on the clinical course of an adolescent population with a rare disease of pediatric onset and enrolled in a transition program between 1994 and 2022.

RESULTS

A total of 238 adolescents (including 34 having undergone a liver transplant on enrolling in the program) were included. Eight patients were lost to follow-up before the first transition consultation and 16 families requested follow-up in an adult hepatology department closer to their home. Overall, 214 initial transition consultations were carried out; 29 patients were subsequently lost to follow-up and 13 switched center. Overall, 15.4 % of the patients enrolled in our program were lost to follow-up. Five adult patients underwent a liver transplantation during this 28-year period. Overall mortality was 3.2 %, graft survival was 91.5 %, and posttransplant survival was 92 %. In total, the current active file represents 183 patients with a median age of 24.3 years (18-51) and a median follow-up period of 5.8 years (6 months to 28 years).

CONCLUSION

The implementation of a transition program to adult medicine for adolescents with a rare liver disease should follow the recommendations but must be adapted in line with local practice conditions. This process requires close collaboration between the pediatric and adult medicine teams based on a mutual desire to constantly improve practices and enhance knowledge.

Long-term clinical and socioeconomic outcomes of children with biliary atresia

Background

Biliary atresia (BA) is rare liver disease of unknown etiology, and is a major indication for liver transplant (LT). Previous data indicate improved outcomes with early referral for Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE).

Objective

Evaluate the long-term outcomes in BA, with particular focus on those transitioned to adult care with native livers.

Subjects and Methods

Patients with BA treated between1980 and 2012 were identified. Data were collected from the time of referral, transition to adult care, and the most recent clinic notes, from which patient and native liver survival were calculated.

Results

Four hundred and fifty-four patients with BA were identified, who were followed up for median of 16.4 years from birth; 74 died (41 of whom had a LT), giving a 20-year survival rate of 83.6%. Two hundred and seventy-two patients received an LT, with the median native liver survival being 35 months. Of patients who transitioned to adult care, 54 of 180 (30.0%) retained their native liver. Of these, 72% (39 of 54) had evidence of chronic liver disease at transition, of whom 8 were subsequently lost to follow-up, 9 were transplanted, and 22 remained stable with compensated liver disease. Of the 15 of 54 patients (28%) with no evidence of chronic disease in their native liver disease at transition, 3 were subsequently lost to follow-up; none received transplants, although 3 patients developed new-onset liver disease. All patients transitioned to adult care completed secondary school education (N = 180), with 49% having attended college/university and 87% being in employment or education at the last follow-up. Of female patients, 34% had at least one pregnancy (27 children in 21 women), while 22% of males had fathered a child.

Conclusion

Long-term outcomes in BA are good, with patients surviving into adult life. Progression of chronic liver disease and associated morbidity is common in those who retained their native livers, suggesting that these patients require monitoring of liver disease throughout adult life, and early recognition of the need for LT.

Outcomes of adult native liver survivors with biliary atresia: the current situation in Japan

PURPOSE

This study aimed to elucidate the difficulties faced by adult native liver survivors with biliary atresia (BA) in Japan.

METHODS

A single-center, retrospective, observational study of 57 adult patients with BA was conducted. The clinical course of BA was compared between native liver survivors and non-survivors who reached adulthood. Indications and outcomes of liver transplantation (LT) among non-survivors were assessed.

RESULTS

A significantly larger portion of non-survivors (n = 10) met the criteria for LT (p < 0.001) and received treatment for portal hypertension after reaching 20 years of age (p < 0.01) compared with the survivors. Causes of death included liver cirrhosis (n = 8), graft failure of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) (n = 1), and hepatocarcinoma (n = 1). Two of the non-survivors who died of liver cirrhosis had no indication for LT because of alcohol dependence and uncontrolled infection. An appropriate donor candidate could not be found for the five patients who opted for LDLT. All six patients waitlisted for deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) died after a median waiting period of 17 months.

CONCLUSION

Adult BA patients in Japan have limited options for LT, mainly owing to low donor candidate availability for LDLT and a low prevalence of DDLT.

Early life growth and developmental trajectory in children with biliary atresia undergoing primary liver transplantation

Objective

To clarify the early growth and developmental characteristics of children with biliary atresia (BA) undergoing primary liver transplantation (pLT).

Methods

A prospective cohort study, which specifically focused on BA-pLT children, was conducted after the diagnosis of BA by following the children at the time of pLT and 1, 3, 5, 7 months and 1 year after pLT for growth and developmental monitoring. The growth parameters were calculated according to the WHO standard, and the developmental status was assessed using Denver Developmental Screening Tests.

Results

A total of 48 BA children who received pLT at the age of 5.00 ± 0.94 months were analyzed. The weight-for-age Z-value (Z_W) and length-for-age Z-value (Z_L) were higher than the head circumference-for-age Z-value (Z_HC) at pLT (P = 0.002 and 0.02), but they were all lower than the WHO growth standard (Z = 0) (P < 0.001). The Z_W and Z_HC decreased first and then returned to the population level at 1 year after pLT, while the Z_L only returned to the preoperative status and was lower than the Z_W and Z_HC (P < 0.001). Developmental screening showed that 35% (17/48) of the children were defined as suspicious and 15% (7/48) were abnormal at 1-4 months after pLT, the most likely time to be suspected of developmental delay. At 1 year after pLT, gross motor skill delay still existed (12/45, 27%), and language skill delay began to appear (4/45, 9%).

Conclusions

BA-pLT children suffer from growth and developmental problems. Low Z_HC is the main growth problem before pLT, while low Z_L is the problem after pLT. Developmental delays are significant after pLT, especially in motor and language skills. The current study suggested that further studies are warranted to clarify the long-term growth and developmental outcomes of BA-pLT children, to compare them with children undergoing the Kasai procedure and to explore their influencing factors and possible mechanisms.

Liver-Spleen Volume Ratio as a Predictor of Native Liver Survival in Patients with Biliary Atresia

BACKGROUND

The appropriate timing of liver transplantation (LT) in patients with biliary atresia (BA) who survived with their native livers until adolescence remains controversial. The liver-spleen volume ratio (LSR) has been reported to be efficacious in predicting the prognosis of chronic liver disease. We investigated whether LSR could predict long-term native liver prognosis and serve as an indication for LT in patients with BA.

METHODS

Patients with BA who survived with their native liver until the age of 15 years were included. These patients were classified into 2 groups. The unfavorable prognosis group included patients who underwent or were awaiting LT or developed complications such as refractory cholangitis or gastrointestinal bleeding due to esophagogastric or intestinal varices. The favorable prognosis group included patients who survived with their native liver without complications. We compared the 2 groups regarding LSR, hematological, and histologic data.

RESULTS

Of 19 patients, 8 were in the unfavorable prognosis group, and 11 were in the favorable prognosis group. LSR was significantly lower in the unfavorable prognosis group (P = .009). Analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the area under the curve of the LSR was 0.891, which was higher than the area under the curve of liver fibrosis markers. The optimal LSR cut-off value for predicting poor native liver prognosis was 1.97, with a sensitivity of 75.0% and a specificity of 87.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

The LSR reflects splenomegaly and liver atrophy. The LSR might be a reliable predictor of native liver prognosis and could guide decisions about LT in patients with BA.

Liver-restricted deletion of the biliary atresia candidate gene Pkd1l1 causes bile duct dysmorphogenesis and ciliopathy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

A recent multicenter genetic exploration of the biliary atresia splenic malformation syndrome identified mutations in the ciliary gene PKD1L1 as candidate etiologic contributors. We hypothesized that deletion of Pkd1l1 in developing hepatoblasts would lead to cholangiopathy in mice.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

CRISPR-based genome editing inserted loxP sites flanking exon 8 of the murine Pkd1l1 gene. Pkd1l1Fl/Fl cross-bred with alpha-fetoprotein-Cre expressing mice to generate a liver-specific intrahepatic Pkd1l1 -deficient model (LKO). From embryonic day 18 through week 30, control ( Fl/Fl ) and LKO mice were evaluated with standard serum chemistries and liver histology. At select ages, tissues were analyzed using RNA sequencing, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy with a focus on biliary structures, peribiliary inflammation, and fibrosis. Bile duct ligation for 5 days of Fl/Fl and LKO mice was followed by standard serum and liver analytics. Histological analyses from perinatal ages revealed delayed biliary maturation and reduced primary cilia, with progressive cholangiocyte proliferation, peribiliary fibroinflammation, and arterial hypertrophy evident in 7- to 16-week-old LKO versus Fl/Fl livers. Following bile duct ligation, cholangiocyte proliferation, peribiliary fibroinflammation, and necrosis were increased in LKO compared with Fl/Fl livers.

CONCLUSIONS

Bile duct ligation of the Pkd1l1 -deficient mouse model mirrors several aspects of the intrahepatic pathophysiology of biliary atresia in humans including bile duct dysmorphogenesis, peribiliary fibroinflammation, hepatic arteriopathy, and ciliopathy. This first genetically linked model of biliary atresia, the Pkd1l1 LKO mouse, may allow researchers a means to develop a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of this serious and perplexing disorder, including the opportunity to identify rational therapeutic targets.

Serum FGF19 predicts outcomes of Kasai portoenterostomy in biliary atresia

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Outcomes after Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) for biliary atresia remain highly variable for unclear reasons. As reliable early biomarkers predicting KPE outcomes are lacking, we studied the prognostic value of FGF19.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Serum and liver specimens, obtained from biliary atresia patients (N=87) at KPE or age-matched cholestatic controls (N=26) were included. Serum concentration of FGF19 and bile acids, liver mRNA expression of FGF19 , and key regulators of bile acid synthesis were related to KPE outcomes and liver histopathology. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were used for the localization of liver FGF19 expression. Serum levels (223 vs. 61 pg/mL, p <0.001) and liver mRNA expression of FGF19 were significantly increased in biliary atresia. Patients with unsuccessful KPE (419 vs. 145 pg/mL, p =0.047), and those subsequently underwent liver transplantation (410 vs. 99 pg/mL, p =0.007) had significantly increased serum, but not liver, FGF19, which localized mainly in hepatocytes. In Cox hazard modeling serum FGF19 <109 pg/mL predicted native liver survival (HR: 4.31, p <0.001) also among patients operated <60 days of age (HR: 8.77, p =0.004) or after successful KPE (HR: 6.76, p =0.01). Serum FGF19 correlated positively with increased serum primary bile acids ( R =0.41, p =0.004) and ductular reaction ( R =0.39, p =0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased serum FGF19 at KPE predicted inferior long-term native liver survival in biliary atresia and was associated with unsuccessful KPE, elevated serum primary bile acids, and ductular reaction.

A Pilot Study of Biliary Atresia Newborn Screening Using Dried Blood Spot Matrix Metalloproteinase-7

OBJECTIVES

Timely diagnosis is a critical challenge and is associated with improved survival of biliary atresia (BA) patients. We aimed to measure matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) levels in BA patients within 3 days of birth using the dried blood spot (DBS) method and evaluate its potential as a screening tool.

METHODS

The study enrolled 132 patients, including 25 patients diagnosed with BA and 107 non-BA patients with other congenital or perinatal conditions from the National Taiwan University Children Hospital. The stored DBS samples collected from 48 to 72 hours of life were retrieved from newborn screening centers. MMP-7 on the DBS was quantified using a sensitive sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

The MMP-7 levels of BA patients on the DBS were significantly higher than those of non-BA patients (19.2 ± 10.4 vs 5.6 ± 2.7 ng/mL, P value < 0.0001). MMP-7 levels in non-BA patients, including 5 patients with hepatobiliary structural anomaly, 9 patients with intrahepatic cholestasis, and 93 patients with other perinatal diseases, were 11.6 ± 4.2 ng/mL, 6.9 ± 3.0 ng/mL, and 5.2 ± 2.1 ng/mL, respectively. The DBS MMP-7 level showed good accuracy for identifying BA, with an area under the curve of 93.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 87.7%-99.7%]. The MMP-7 cutoff at 8.0 ng/mL showed a sensitivity of 92.0% (95% CI: 75.0%-98.6%) and specificity of 92.5% (95% CI: 85.9%-96.1%) for detecting BA from other congenital or perinatal diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

MMP-7 DBS analysis can be used to distinguish BA from other conditions as early as 3 days of age.

The Impact of Male Gender and Thrombophilia on Disease Progression in Children with Biliary Atresia—A Single-Centre Cohort Study

Epidemiological evidence suggests that thrombophilic factors, including male sex, non-O blood type, MTHFRnt677TT mutation, factor V Leiden G1691A mutation, and prothrombin G20210A polymorphism, may contribute to the progression of fibrosis and occurrence of portal vein thrombosis in liver disease. We retrospectively investigated the effect of potentially thrombophilic factors on native liver survival as a patient-relevant endpoint of disease progression in a cohort of 142 children being followed up for biliary atresia at Hannover Medical School from April 2017 to October 2019. No significant association could be determined. There was no evidence for relevant differences in native liver survival for the Factor V Leiden G1691A mutation (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.38–1.98, p = 0.73), prothrombin G20210A polymorphism (HR = 0.96, 95%CI 0.24–3.65, p = 0.96), non-O blood type (HR = 0.79, 95%CI 0.51–1.21, p = 0.28) or MTHFRnt677TT mutation (HR = 1.24, 95%CI 0.60–2.56, p = 0.56). A certain, albeit not strong, evidence of reduced native liver survival in male patients after Kasai hepatoportoenterostomy, particularly during the first 2000 days (42%; HR = 1.41, 95%CI 0.92–2.18, p = 0.11) was found. All children with pre-transplant portal vein thrombosis (n = 7) had non-O blood types. Larger multi-centre studies are necessary to show if the male sex or other thrombophilic factors could be potentially associated with reduced native liver survival.

Serum bile acids as a prognostic biomarker in biliary atresia following Kasai portoenterostomy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In biliary atresia, serum bilirubin is commonly used to predict outcomes after Kasai portoenterostomy (KP). Infants with persistently high levels invariably need liver transplant, but those achieving normalized levels have a less certain disease course. We hypothesized that serum bile acid levels could help predict outcomes in the latter group.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Participants with biliary atresia from the Childhood Liver Disease Research Network were included if they had normalized bilirubin levels 6 months after KP and stored serum samples from the 6-month post-KP clinic visit ( n  = 137). Bile acids were measured from the stored serum samples and used to divide participants into ≤40 μmol/L ( n  = 43) or >40 μmol/L ( n  = 94) groups. At 2 years of age, the ≤40 μmol/L compared with >40 μmol/L group had significantly lower total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, bile acids, and spleen size, as well as significantly higher albumin and platelet counts. Furthermore, during 734 person-years of follow-up, those in the ≤40 μmol/L group were significantly less likely to develop splenomegaly, ascites, gastrointestinal bleeding, or clinically evident portal hypertension. The ≤40 μmol/L group had a 10-year cumulative incidence of liver transplant/death of 8.5% (95% CI: 1.1%-26.1%), compared with 42.9% (95% CI: 28.6%-56.4%) for the >40 μmol/L group ( p  = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum bile acid levels may be a useful prognostic biomarker for infants achieving normalized bilirubin levels after KP.

Biliary Atresia in Adolescence and Adult Life: Medical, Surgical and Psychological Aspects

Prior to 1955, when Morio Kasai first performed the hepatic portoenterostomy procedure which now bears his name, Biliary atresia (BA) was a uniformly fatal disease. Both the Kasai procedure and liver transplantation have markedly improved the outlook for infants with this condition. Although long-term survival with native liver occurs in the minority, survival rates post liver transplantation are high. Most young people born with BA will now survive into adulthood but their ongoing requirements for health care will necessitate their transition from a family-centred paediatric service to a patient-centred adult service. Despite a rapid growth in transition services over recent years and progress in transitional care, transition from paediatric to adult services is still a risk for poor clinical and psychosocial outcomes and increased health care costs. Adult hepatologists should be aware of the clinical management and complications of biliary atresia and the long-term consequences of liver transplantation in childhood. Survivors of childhood illness require a different approach to that for young adults presenting after 18 years of age with careful consideration of their emotional, social, and sexual health. They need to understand the risks of non-adherence, both for clinic appointments and medication, as well as the implications for graft loss. Developing adequate transitional care for these young people is based on effective collaboration at the paediatric-adult interface and is a major challenge for paediatric and adult providers alike in the 21st century. This entails education for patients and adult physicians in order to familiarise them with the long-term complications, in particular for those surviving with their native liver and the timing of consideration of liver transplantation if required. This article focusses on the outcome for children with biliary atresia who survive into adolescence and adult life with considerations on their current management and prognosis.

Biliary atresia & choledochal malformation--Embryological and anatomical considerations

The two main biliary pathologies in paediatric practice, biliary atresia and choledochal malformations (CM), have their origins within prenatal life. Nevertheless, the actual mechanisms remain elusive with many unanswered questions. The extrahepatic bile duct develops as a funnel-like structure emerging from the foregut from about 3-4 weeks of gestation into the mesenchyme of the septum transversum. The cranial elements of this contain hepatoblasts - the precursors to the two key cell lines that will become hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells. The intrahepatic bile ducts develop separately and emerge from a complex process involving the ductal plate surrounding the in-growing portal venous system from about the 7-8^th week of gestation. A developmental defect at some point(s) in this process may be the cause of at least some variants of BA - the Biliary Atresia Splenic Malformation syndrome particularly - though evidence in the more common isolated BA is much more circumstantial. Similarly, some types of choledochal malformation, specifically the cystic type of CM, are invariably present during prenatal life although again an actual aetiological mechanism remains elusive.

Systematic review: The quality of life of patients with biliary atresia

BACKGROUND

The quality of life of patients with Biliary Atresia (BA) have not been systematically examined. The goal of this meta-analysis is to determine patients' postoperative health-related Quality of life (HrQoL) with native or transplanted livers.

METHODS

From 2000 to August 2021, a literature-based search for relevant cohorts was conducted using Pubmed/Medline, the Cochrane Library, and Embase. Original research on BA, Hepatoportoenterostomy (HPE), portoenterostomy, Kasai, Liver transplantation and HrQoL was included. Using RevMan, a forest plot analysis of HrQoL after surgical treatment after BA was calculated (version 5.4). Using MetaXL, a pooled prevalence for cholangitis, secondary liver transplantation, or related malformations was computed (version 5.3).

RESULTS

Nine studies compared individuals with BA to an age-matched healthy control group. 4/9 (n = 352) of these studies found poorer scores for BA patients, while 5/9 (n = 81) found equivalent health status. Factors associated with HrQoL: older age at the time of the survey was linked to greater HrQoL; whereas females, higher total bilirubin and the amount of immunosuppressive medicines were associated with lower HrQoL in BA patients.

CONCLUSION

The current study emphasises the critical need to improve the many parameters influencing HrQoL in BA patients, as well as the methods utilized to assess those factors. This includes immunosuppression, withdrawal from polydrug regimes and recognizing the differences in disease burden between males and females.

TYPE OF STUDY

Systematic review.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Selective enlargement of left lateral segment liver volume as a potential diagnostic predictor for biliary atresia

PURPOSE

To determine an early diagnostic indicator of biliary atresia (BA), we focused on morphological left-right differences of BA livers.

METHODS

Of 74 infants with suspected BA at our hospital in the last 12 years, 25 met the conditions for investigation: 15 infants with BA (BA group) and 10 with other pathologies (non-BA group). CT volumetry of the liver in each patient was performed using a 3D image analysis system. Patient characteristics, blood data, and proportion of the left lateral segment to the total liver volume (LLS ratio) were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Among the patient characteristics and liver function tests, only γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) were significantly higher in the BA group (p < 0.001). The LLS ratio was 0.321 (0.227-0.382) in the BA group and 0.243 (0.193-0.289) in the non-BA group (p = 0.01). The summary cut-off, area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.322, 0.813, 53.3, and 100% for the LLS ratio and 94.26, 0.95, 86.7, and 100% for the GGT × LLS ratio, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The LLS ratio is highly specific and may be an early diagnostic predictor of BA. Moreover, this segmental LLS enlargement may be associated with the etiology of BA.

Surgical and Medical Aspects of the Initial Treatment of Biliary Atresia: Position Paper

Biliary atresia, a fibro-obliterative disease of the newborn, is usually initially treated by Kasai portoenterostomy, although there are many variations in technique and different options for post-operative adjuvant medical therapy. A questionnaire on such topics (e.g., open vs. laparoscopic; the need for liver mobilisation; use of post-operative steroids; use of post-operative anti-viral therapy, etc.) was circulated to delegates (n = 43) of an international webinar (Biliary Atresia and Related Diseases-BARD) held in June 2021. Respondents were mostly European, but included some from North America, and represented 18 different countries overall. The results of this survey are presented here, together with a commentary and review from an expert panel convened for the meeting on current trends in practice.

Diagnostic Efficacy of Advanced Ultrasonography Imaging Techniques in Infants with Biliary Atresia (BA): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The early diagnosis of biliary atresia (BA) in cholestatic infants is critical to the success of the treatment. Intraoperative cholangiography (IOC), an invasive imaging technique, is the current strategy for the diagnosis of BA. Ultrasonography has advanced over recent years and emerging techniques such as shear wave elastography (SWE) have the potential to improve BA diagnosis. This review sought to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of advanced ultrasonography techniques in the diagnosis of BA. Six databases (CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science (core collection), and Embase) were searched for studies assessing the diagnostic performance of advanced ultrasonography techniques in differentiating BA from non-BA causes of infantile cholestasis. The meta-analysis was performed using Meta-DiSc 1.4 and Comprehensive Meta-analysis v3 software. Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool version 2 (QUADAS-2) assessed the risk of bias. Fifteen studies consisting of 2185 patients (BA = 1105; non-BA = 1080) met the inclusion criteria. SWE was the only advanced ultrasonography technique reported and had a good pooled diagnostic performance (sensitivity = 83%; specificity = 77%; AUC = 0.896). Liver stiffness indicators were significantly higher in BA compared to non-BA patients (p < 0.000). SWE could be a useful tool in differentiating BA from non-BA causes of infantile cholestasis. Future studies to assess the utility of other advanced ultrasonography techniques are recommended.

Protocols of Investigation of Neonatal Cholestasis-A Critical Appraisal

Neonatal cholestasis (NC) starts during the first three months of life and comprises extrahepatic and intrahepatic groups of diseases, some of which have high morbimortality rates if not timely identified and treated. Prolonged jaundice, clay-colored or acholic stools, and choluria in an infant indicate the urgent need to investigate the presence of NC, and thenceforth the differential diagnosis of extra- and intrahepatic causes of NC. The differential diagnosis of NC is a laborious process demanding the accurate exclusion of a wide range of diseases, through the skillful use and interpretation of several diagnostic tests. A wise integration of clinical-laboratory, histopathological, molecular, and genetic evaluations is imperative, employing extensive knowledge about each evaluated disease as well as the pitfalls of each diagnostic test. Here, we review the difficulties involved in correctly diagnosing the cause of cholestasis in an affected infant.

Outcomes of paediatric patients with chronic liver disease in early adulthood: A heterogeneous, but representative, regional cohort study

AIM

Advances in paediatric hepatology have led to the increasing survival of patients with paediatric-onset chronic hepatobiliary disease into adulthood. Data are lacking with regard to the outcomes of this heterogeneous group of patients and current transition models may be insufficient. This retrospective regional cohort study examined the outcomes of these patients cared for in a paediatric gastroenterology centre following transfer to adult services.

METHODS

A prospective database of paediatric patients with liver disease identified those already transferred to adult services. Following exclusions, medical notes were examined and health parameters recorded including initial diagnoses, transplant status, fertility and mortality. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate follow-up data and transplant-free survival (TFS).

RESULTS

Overall, 63 patients (52% male) entered the final analyses with a median follow-up of 27.5 years. The most common diagnosis was biliary atresia (19%); 27 different diagnoses were apparent within the cohort highlighting the heterogeneity within a single centre. Transplant prevalence at adult transfer was 41%; 14% of patients were lost to follow-up including 10% of transplant patients. TFS for biliary atresia was 17% after 37.4 years follow-up and was 54% for the total cohort. There were seven documented pregnancies and the prevalence of any psychological or psychiatric input was 44%. Transplant complications occurred in 38% of patients; there were two cancer diagnoses and two deaths following transfer.

CONCLUSIONS

Although overall mortality was low, the health-care burden of patients with paediatric-onset chronic liver disease is high. This group is also very heterogeneous, making structured transition to adult services difficult.

Primary vs. salvage liver transplantation for biliary atresia: A retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Kasai hepatoportoenterostomy is the standard of care for children with biliary atresia, but a majority of patients progress to end-stage liver disease and require a salvage liver transplant. Given the high failure rates of the hepatoportoenterostomy operation, some have advocated for primary liver transplantation as a superior treatment approach. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of pediatric candidates with biliary atresia listed for primary vs. salvage liver transplantation.

METHODS

The SRTR/OPTN database was retrospectively reviewed for all children with biliary atresia listed for liver transplant between March 2002 and February 2021. Candidates were categorized as primary liver transplant if they had not undergone previous abdominal surgery prior to listing and salvage liver transplant if they had. Salvage transplants were further categorized as early failure if listed within the first year of life or late failure if listed at an older age.

RESULTS

3438 children with biliary atresia were listed for transplant during the study period, with 15% of them listed for a primary transplant, 17% for salvage transplant after early failure, and 67% after late failure. Recipients of salvage liver transplant with late failure had lower bilirubin levels and were less critically ill as demonstrated by MELD/PELD scores and hospitalization status. Correspondingly, these recipients had higher waiting list and graft survival, though this did not remain statistically significant after adjustment in multivariable models. There were no differences in waiting list, recipient, or graft survival with primary vs. salvage liver transplant after early failure.

CONCLUSION

Kasai hepatoportoenterostomy should remain the standard of care in biliary atresia as it may delay need for transplant beyond the first year of life in a subset of recipients and does not jeopardize subsequent transplant outcomes, even with early failure.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective cohort study (Level III).

Association between Kasai portoenterostomy at low caseload centres and transplant complications in children with biliary atresia

BACKGROUND

Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) is the preferred treatment for biliary atresia (BA) patients. It has been shown that the center caseload of KPE impacts on native liver survival. We aimed to define the impact of KPE caseload on complications at the time of liver transplantation (LT).

METHODS

Retrospective data collection of LT for BA performed in our tertiary center between 2010 and 2018. The patients were grouped according to the caseload of the center that performed KPE: Group A (≥5 KPE/year) and Group B (<5 KPE/year). We analyzed total transplant time (TTT), hepatectomy time, amount of plasma and red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, occurrence of bowel perforations at LT.

RESULTS

Among 115 patients, Group A (n 44) and Group B (n 71) were comparable for age, sex, PELD score, TTT. The groups differed for: median hepatectomy time (57 min, IQR = 50-67; vs 65, IQR 55-89, p = 0.045); RBC transfusions (95 ml, IQR 0-250; vs 200 ml, IQR 70-500, p = 0.017); bowel perforations (0/44 vs 15/71, p = 0.001). One-year graft loss in Group A vs Group B was 1/44 vs 7/71 (p = 0.239), whereas deaths were 0/44 vs 5/71 respectively (p = 0.183); 5/15 patients who had a perforation eventually lost the graft.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found an association between KPE performed in low caseload center and the incidence of complications at LT. These patients tend to have a worse outcome. The centralization of KPE to referral center represents an advantage at the time of LT.

MINI ABSTRACT

We studied the impact of Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) caseload on complications at the time of liver transplantation (LT), in 115 patients. We found an association between KPE performed in low caseload center and increased bowel perforations and blood transfusions. We suggest to centralize to experienced center all children requiring KPE.

[Overview of Biliary Atresia]

Biliary atresia is a progressive, idiopathic, obliterative disease of the extrahepatic biliary tree that presents with biliary obstruction in the neonatal period. It is the most common indication for liver transplantation in children. If untreated, progressive liver cirrhosis leads to death by two years of age. Nowadays, more than 90% of biliary atresia patients survive into adulthood with the development of Kasai portoenterostomy and liver transplantation technology. Early diagnosis is critical since the success rate of the Kasai portoenterostomy decreases with time. This study comprehensively reviews the recent advances in the etiology, classification, prevalence, clinical manifestations, treatment, and prognosis of biliary atresia.

Biliary Atresia in Children: Update on Disease Mechanism, Therapies, and Patient Outcomes

Biliary atresia is a rare disease but remains the most common indication for pediatric liver transplantation as there are no effective medical therapies to slow progression after diagnosis. Variable contribution of genetic, immune, and environmental factors contributes to disease heterogeneity among patients with biliary atresia. Developing a deeper understanding of the disease mechanism will help to develop targeted medical therapies and improve patient outcomes.

Portal plate bile duct diameter in biliary atresia is associated with long-term outcome

PURPOSE

Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) is the only treatment currently available for biliary atresia (BA). Age at KPE and surgical experience are prognostic factors for a successful KPE. Here, we aimed to assess whether the size of bile ductules at the porta hepatis during KPE correlates with KPE success and transplant-free survival (TFS).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with BA during 2000-2019. Porta hepatis biopsies were reviewed for diameters of five representative ducts, and a mean ductal diameter (MDD) was calculated. Laboratory values including pre- and postoperative bilirubin levels were analyzed.

RESULTS

The cohort included 77 patients; for 33, ductal plate biopsy was available. KPE was successful in six of eight patients with MDD ≥ 50 µm, and in five of 25 with MDD < 50 µm, p = 0.008, OR = 12.0 (95% CI 1.83-78.3). Ten-year survival with native liver was higher in patients with MDD ≥ 50 µm than in patients with MDD < 50 µm, p < 0.001, HR 0.038 (95% CI 0.007-0.207). Direct bilirubin < 1 mg/dl 3 months post-KPE was associated with improved 2-year post-KPE TFS (27.7% vs. 13.9%, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

MDD ≥ 50 µm correlates with KPE success and a higher rate of TFS. Direct bilirubin < 1 mg/dl 3 months post-operation may serve as a marker of successful biliary excretion, and a predictor of 2-year TFS.

Features of Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy Early in the Lives of Infants With Biliary Atresia Correlate With Outcomes Following Kasai Portoenterostomy

Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM), detected during two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE), is prevalent in patients with biliary atresia (BA) awaiting transplant. Whether CCM occurs early in the lives of infants with BA is unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the incidence and consequence of CCM in patients with BA, focusing on the earliest ages when 2DE was performed. A cohort of 78 patients with BA at a single center underwent 2DE (median age = 132 days) during the first year of life. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) to upper limit of normal (ULN) ratio ≥ 1.0 was present in 60% of patients who never underwent Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE; n = 15), 49% with nondraining KPE (n = 41), and 21% with draining KPE (n = 19). Patients with a draining KPE (median age at 2DE = 72 days) had a lower LVMI/ULN ratio (0.75 [interquartile range [IQR] 0.70, 0.91]) compared to those with a nondraining KPE (0.99 [IQR 0.78, 1.17] median age of 141 days; P = 0.012). In those whose 2DE was performed within 7 days of KPE (n = 19, median age of 61 days), the LVMI/ULN ratio was lower in those with a future draining KPE (0.73 [IQR 0.66, 0.75]) compared to the group with a future nondraining KPE (1.03 [IQR 0.88, 1.08], P = 0.002). Logistic regression modeling revealed LVMI/ULN ratio ≥ 1.0 as a predictor of KPE outcome, with an odds ratio of 16.7 (95% confidence interval 1.36-204; P = 0.028) for a future nondraining KPE compared to those with a LVMI/ULN ratio < 1.0. Conclusion: 2DE early in the lives of patients with BA revealed features of CCM that correlated with future outcomes. If validated in a multicenter study, this could lead to 2DE as a useful clinical tool in the care of infants with BA.

Current Understanding in the Clinical Characteristics and Molecular Mechanisms in Different Subtypes of Biliary Atresia

Biliary atresia is a severe obliterative cholangiopathy in early infancy that is by far the most common cause of surgical jaundice and the most common indicator for liver transplantation in children. With the advanced knowledge gained from different clinical trials and the development of research models, a more precise clinical classification of BA (i.e., isolated BA (IBA), cystic BA (CBA), syndromic BA (SBA), and cytomegalovirus-associated BA (CMVBA)) is proposed. Different BA subtypes have similar yet distinguishable clinical manifestations. The clinical and etiological heterogeneity leads to dramatically different prognoses; hence, treatment needs to be specific. In this study, we reviewed the clinical characteristics of different BA subtypes and revealed the molecular mechanisms of their developmental contributors. We aimed to highlight the differences among these various subtypes of BA which ultimately contribute to the development of a specific management protocol for each subtype.

Biliary Atresia in 2021: Epidemiology, Screening and Public Policy

Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare newborn liver disease with significant morbidity and mortality, especially if not recognized and treated early in life. It is the most common cause of liver-related death in children and the leading indication for liver transplantation in the pediatric population. Timely intervention with a Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) can significantly improve prognosis. Delayed disease recognition, late patient referral, and untimely surgery remains a worldwide problem. This article will focus on biliary atresia from a global public health perspective, including disease epidemiology, current national screening programs, and their impact on outcome, as well as new and novel BA screening initiatives. Policy challenges for the implementation of BA screening programs will also be discussed, highlighting examples from the North American, European, and Asian experience.

The Need for Early Kasai Portoenterostomy: A Western Pediatric Surgery Research Consortium Study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors impacting transplant-free survival among infants with biliary atresia.

METHODS

A multi-institutional, retrospective cohort study was performed at nine tertiary-level children's hospitals in the United States. Infants who underwent Kasai portoenterostomy (KP) from January 2009 to May 2017 were identified. Clinical characteristics included age at time of KP, steroid use, surgical approach, liver pathology, and surgeon experience. Likelihood of transplant-free survival (TFS) was evaluated using logistic regression, adjusting for patient and surgeon-level factors. Secondary outcomes at 1 year included readmission, cholangitis, reoperation, mortality, and biliary clearance.

RESULTS

Overall, 223 infants underwent KP, and 91 (40.8%) survived with their native liver. Mean age at surgery was 63.9 days (± 24.7 days). At 1 year, 78.5% experienced readmission, 56.9% developed cholangitis, 3.8% had a surgical revision, and 5 died. Biliary clearance at 3 months was achieved in 76.6%. Controlling for patient and surgeon-level factors, each additional day of age toward operation was associated with a 2% decrease in likelihood of TFS (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99).

CONCLUSION

Earlier surgical intervention by Kasai portoenterostomy at tertiary-level centers significantly increases likelihood for TFS. Policy-level interventions to facilitate early screening and surgical referral for infants with biliary atresia are warranted to improve outcomes.

Diagnostic Tools for Early Detection of Biliary Atresia: Is a Newborn Screen Attainable?

Content available: Audio Recording.

The Epidemiology and Outcome of Biliary Atresia: Saudi Arabian National Study (2000-2018)

BACKGROUND

The epidemiology and outcomes of biliary atresia (BA) have been well-documented in national cohorts from two main ethnicities, namely, the Asian Orientals and Caucasians, with incidence ranging from 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 9,000 live births in East Asia and 1 in 15,000 to 19,000 live births in Europe and North America.

OBJECTIVE

We report the first nationwide BA study outside North America, Europe, and East Asia to describe the epidemiology and outcomes of BA in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A national database of BA cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2018 was analyzed. We assessed clearance of jaundice (bilirubin <20 μmol/L) in all cases that underwent Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE). We then estimated survival using the Kaplan-Meier method with endpoints of liver transplantation (LT), death, or survival with native liver (SNL).

RESULTS

BA was diagnosed in 204 infants (106 females; 10% pre-term). The incidence of BA was 1 in 44,365, or 2.254 in 100,000 live births (range, 0.5-4 in 100,000). Polysplenia was diagnosed in 22 cases (11%). The median age at referral was 65 days. A total of 146 children (71.5%) underwent KPE at a median age of 70 days. Clearance of jaundice was achieved in 66 of the 146 (45%) infants. The 10-year SNL after KPE was 25.5%, and the overall 10-year estimated survival was 72.5%. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves for patients undergoing KPE at the age of <60, 61-90, and >90 days showed a SNL rate at 51.6, 33, and 12.5%, respectively, at 5 years (P < 0.001). The 2-, 5-, and 10-year post-LT survival rates were 92.5, 90.6, and 90%, respectively. Undergoing an initial KPE did not impact negatively on the overall LT survival rate when compared to BA cases that underwent primary LT (P = 0.88).

CONCLUSION

The incidence rate of BA in Saudi Arabia is lower than the incidence reported elsewhere. Late referral of BA cases remains a problem in Saudi Arabia; as a result, the SNL rate was lower than reported by other national registries. Hence, national policies devoted to timely referral and earlier age at KPE are needed.

Current and emerging adjuvant therapies in biliary atresia

Following Kasai hepatic portoenterostomy (HPE), most patients with biliary atresia will eventually require liver transplantation due to progressive cirrhosis and liver failure. Preventing liver transplantation, or even delaying eventual liver transplantation, is the key to improving long-term outcomes. This review first examines the commonly used adjuvant therapies in post-HPE biliary atresia and the strength of the evidence supporting these therapies. Next, it examines the evolving frontiers of management through a comprehensive evaluation of both recently completed and ongoing clinical trials in biliary atresia. Promising therapies used in other cholestatic liver diseases with potential benefit in biliary atresia are discussed. Improving post-HPE management is critical to prevent complications, delay liver transplantation, and ultimately improve the long-term survival of patients with biliary atresia.

Adjuvant Therapy with Budesonide Post-Kasai Reduces the Need for Liver Transplantation in Biliary Atresia

Based on the hypothesis that autoimmunological factors coregulate the pathomechanism in biliary atresia (BA), adjuvant therapy with steroids has become routine, although its efficacy has never been proven. In 2010, a study on the advantages of budesonide compared to prednisolone in autoimmune hepatitis gave rise to experimental therapy using budesonide as an adjuvant BA treatment. Ninety-five BA patients prospectively received a budesonide 2 mg/dose rectal foam daily for three months (SG). A case-matched control group (CG: 81) was retrospectively recruited. The outcome measures were survival with native liver (SNL), determined at six months and two years after the Kasai procedure. The follow-up rate was 100%. At six months, SNL was statistically not different but became so after two years (SG: 54%; CG: 32%; p < 0.001). No steroid-related side effects were observed, except for eight patients with finally caught-up growth retardation. This study demonstrates for the first time a significantly longer survival with native liver in patients with BA after adjuvant therapy. However, indication, dosage, and duration of any budesonide application is not given in neonates with BA. Hence, we suggest extending the postoperative use of budesonide in a multicenter observational study with a clearly defined follow-up protocol, particularly in terms of potentially underestimated side effects.

Biliary Atresia: Clinical Phenotypes and Aetiological Heterogeneity

Biliary atresia (BA) is an obliterative condition of the biliary tract that presents with persistent jaundice and pale stools typically in the first few weeks of life. While this phenotypic signature may be broadly similar by the time of presentation, it is likely that this is only the final common pathway with a number of possible preceding causative factors and disparate pathogenic mechanisms-i.e., aetiological heterogeneity. Certainly, there are distinguishable variants which suggest a higher degree of aetiological homogeneity such as the syndromic variants of biliary atresia splenic malformation or cat-eye syndrome, which implicate an early developmental mechanism. In others, the presence of synchronous viral infection also make this plausible as an aetiological agent though it is likely that disease onset is from the perinatal period. In the majority of cases, currently termed isolated BA, there are still too few clues as to aetiology or indeed pathogenesis.

Assessment of Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus (LGG) therapy in children with biliary atresia - Randomized placebo controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The role of microbiota in biliary atresia (BA) remains unclear. The aim of our study was to assess efficacy and safety of LGG treatment in children with BA after HPE with special focus on bacterial cholangitis (BCH) and quantitative assessment of the gut microbiota composition and metabolism.

METHODS

We performed double-blind placebo controlled trial with patients randomized into treatment group who received LGG (n = 14) and placebo (n = 16). The gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) were assessed at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. Clinical and laboratory parameters including episodes of bacterial cholangitis (BCH) were collected during the study period and after 2-year follow-up. Additionally, stool composition of BA patients was compared with healthy age-matched control group.

RESULTS

There were lower concentration of SCFA in children with BA compared to control group and significant increase in the number of Enterococcus bacteria. After 6 months of treatment, neither laboratory parameters nor gut microbiota composition differed between LGG group and placebo. PP analysis results were similar to ITT analysis, no significant differences between study and control group. Overall, there were 11 (36%) patients who developed at least one episode of bacterial cholangitis; 3 (21%) in the LGG group compared to 8 (50%) placebo group (p = 0.14). Bacterial cultures were positive in 22% of cases and recurrence after the first episode was observed in 27% of patients. The level of total bilirubin decreased below 2 mg/dl after 6 months of the study in 6 (42.8%) patients in the LGG group and in 8 (50%) patients in the placebo group (p = 0.73). During 2-year follow-up 6 out of 14 patients (42.8%) in the LGG group and 11 out of 16 placebo patients (68.7%) underwent liver transplantation (p = 0.27).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with BA present with specific microbiota profiles and decreased SCFA what gives opportunities to implement novel therapeutic options based on modulation of  microbiota. Whether LGG is an effective therapy needs to be studied in a larger group with similar outcome parameters.

Neurocognitive and Motor Functions in Biliary Atresia Patients: A Cross-sectional, Prospective National Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate the neurocognitive and motor development of biliary atresia (BA) patients in childhood and adolescence and to identify risk factors for impaired outcome.

METHODS

We invited all BA patients between ages 1 and 20 years followed up at Helsinki University Children's Hospital in Finland between 1 January 2019 to 31 January 2020 to participate. All participants underwent age-appropriate validated neurocognitive tests. Participants between 3.0 and 16.9 years of age were assessed with the Movement Assessment Battery for children, version 2. Guardians of participants between ages 5 and 17 years filled the Five-to-Fifteen-Revised (5-15R) parental questionnaire.

RESULTS

The mean (±standard deviation [SD]) total intelligence quotient (IQ) of the 39 participants was 91 ± 15, lower compared with test norms (mean IQ 100 ± 15, P < 0.01). Earlier clearance of jaundice (COJ) had a positive effect on mean (±SD) total IQ (COJ <3 months 96 ± 13 vs COJ ≥3 months post-portoenterostomy 84 ± 13, P < 0.05). Out of 30 participants assessed, 13 (43%) were either at risk or fulfilled the criteria for impaired motor development. Guardians reported elevated rates of functional difficulties affecting everyday life. There were no significant differences between native liver and liver transplanted (16/41%) groups.

CONCLUSIONS

IQ is moderately, and motor scores markedly impaired in BA patients compared with normative data. Standardised cognitive and motor assessment before school-age for all BA patients is advisable to identify individuals in need of additional support.

Long-term outcomes of biliary atresia patients surviving with their native livers

Portoenterostomy (PE) has remained as the generally accepted first line surgical treatment for biliary atresia (BA) for over 50 years. Currently, close to half of BA patients survive beyond 10 years with their native livers, and most of them reach adulthood without liver transplantation (LT). Despite normalization of serum bilirubin by PE, ductular reaction and portal fibrosis persist in the native liver. The chronic cholangiopathy progresses to cirrhosis, complications of portal hypertension, recurrent cholangitis or hepatobiliary tumors necessitating LT later in life. Other common related health problems include impaired bone health, neuromotor development and quality of life. Only few high-quality trials are available for evidence-based guidance of post-PE adjuvant medical therapy or management of the disease complications. Better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms connecting native liver injury to clinical outcomes is critical for development of accurate follow-up tools and novel therapies designed to improve native liver function and survival.

Evolving Up-regulation of Biliary Fibrosis-Related Extracellular Matrix Molecules After Successful Portoenterostomy

Successful portoenterostomy (SPE) improves the short-term outcome of patients with biliary atresia (BA) by relieving cholestasis and extending survival with native liver. Despite SPE, hepatic fibrosis progresses in most patients, leading to cirrhosis and a deterioration of liver function. The goal of this study was to characterize the effects of SPE on the BA liver transcriptome. We used messenger RNA sequencing to analyze global gene-expression patterns in liver biopsies obtained at the time of portoenterostomy (n = 13) and 1 year after SPE (n = 8). Biopsies from pediatric (n = 2) and adult (n = 2) organ donors and other neonatal cholestatic conditions (n = 5) served as controls. SPE was accompanied by attenuation of inflammation and concomitant up-regulation of key extracellular matrix (ECM) genes. Highly overexpressed genes promoting biliary fibrosis and bile duct integrity, such as integrin subunit beta 6 and previously unreported laminin subunit alpha 3, emerged as candidates to control liver fibrosis after SPE. At a cellular level, the relative abundance of activated hepatic stellate cells and liver macrophages decreased following SPE, whereas portal fibroblasts (PFs) and cholangiocytes persisted. Conclusion: The attenuation of inflammation following SPE coincides with emergence of an ECM molecular fingerprint, a set of profibrotic molecules mechanistically connected to biliary fibrosis. The persistence of activated PFs and cholangiocytes after SPE suggests a central role for these cell types in the progression of biliary fibrosis.

Dubin-Johnson Syndrome as Differential Diagnosis for Neonatal Cholestasis

OBJECTIVES

Dubin-Johnson syndrome (DJS) is an autosomal recessive disorder in which multidrug-resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) deficiency causes an excretion disorder of conjugated bilirubin from hepatocytes into bile canaliculi. Its clinical presentation as neonatal cholestasis (NC) is rare but represents an important differential diagnosis. We aimed to define DJS-specific characteristics in NC, in particular in contrast to biliary atresia (BA) patients, and to highlight diagnostic tools that can help to avoid invasive diagnostic tests.

METHODS

We performed a review of case records from 2006 to 2020 and compared 4 DJS patients to 26 patients with proven BA consecutively diagnosed from 2014 to 2017. DJS was diagnosed by urine coproporphyrin analysis (UCA) and by genetic analysis (GA) for disease-associated ABCC2 variants.

RESULTS

Four male patients with NC were diagnosed with DJS by UCA and GA. DJS patients presenting as NC showed significantly lower values for aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P < 0.001), for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P = 0.002) and for gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (P < 0.001) compared with BA patients. Other examinations, however, could not clearly discriminate them (e.g.: stool colour, serum bile acids, total serum bilirubin).

CONCLUSIONS

DJS is not only a rare differential diagnosis in NC with a suspicious phenotype (almost normal AST, ALT) but also shows overlapping features with BA. It should, therefore, be considered in every infant with NC and an atypical liver enzyme pattern to protect patients from unnecessary, invasive examinations. For this, UCA is a fast and reliable diagnostic tool. Confirmation based on GA is recommended. DJS patients have a good long-term prognosis.

Modeling Outcomes in Children With Biliary Atresia With Native Liver After 2 Years of Age

Approximately 50% of infants with biliary atresia (BA) undergoing Kasai portoenterostomy show survival with native liver (SNL) at age 2 years. Predictors of disease progression after age 2 years are unknown, despite estimates of 20%-30% undergoing liver transplant (LT) between age 2 and 18 years. We sought to address this knowledge gap by developing prognostic models in participants of the multicenter prospective National Institutes of Health-supported Childhood Liver Disease Research Network. We extracted 14 clinical and biochemical variables at age 2 years to develop two models for future outcomes: 1) LT or death (LTD) and 2) first sentinel event (SE), either new onset ascites, hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS), or gastrointestinal (GI) bleed. A total of 240 participants, enrolled between 2004 and 2017, were followed until a median age of 5.1 years (range, 2.0-13.3 years). Of these participants, 38 underwent LT (n = 37) or death (n = 1); cumulative incidence, 23.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 16.2%-32.0%). Twenty-seven experienced either new-onset ascites (n = 13), HPS (n = 1), or GI bleed (n = 14). One participant had ascites and GI bleed concurrently; cumulative incidence, 21.5% (95% CI, 14.2%-29.8%) by age 10 years. The Cox proportional hazard model predicted risk of LTD, using total bilirubin, albumin, platelet count, and history of either ascites or cholangitis (BA LTD model), with a C-index of 0.88 (range, 0.86-0.89). A cause-specific hazard competing risk model predicted SE using platelet count and gamma glutamyltransferase levels (BA SE model) with a C-index of 0.81 (range, 0.80-0.84). Internal model validity was assessed using Harrell's C-index with cross-validation. Conclusion: Stratification using these models identified risk of poor outcomes in patients with BA SNL after age 2 years. The models may identify those who would benefit from enhanced clinical surveillance and prioritization in clinical trials.

Cholangitis in Patients With Biliary Atresia Receiving Hepatoportoenterostomy: A National Database Study

INTRODUCTION

Biliary atresia (BA) is a progressive form of liver disease in the neonatal period usually requiring hepatoportoenterostomy (HPE). Cholangitis is a common sequelae of HPE but data about which patients are at risk for this complication are limited.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to determine risk factors associated with cholangitis in a large retrospective cohort after HPE.

METHODS

The Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) was queried for BA (ICD-9 975.61) and HPE (ICD-9-CM 51.37) admissions from 2004 to 2013. We performed univariate analysis and linear regression with dependent variables of ≥ 2 or ≥ 5 episodes of cholangitis, and independent variables of age at time of HPE, race, ethnicity, gender, insurance, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) use, steroid use, presence of esophageal varices (EV), and portal hypertension (PH).

RESULTS

We identified 1112 subjects with a median age at HPE of 63 days and median number of cholangitis episodes of 2 within 2 years. On multiple regression analysis, black race (odds ratio (OR) 1.51, P = 0.044) and presence of PH (OR 2.24, P < 0.001) were associated with increased risk of ≥ 2 episodes of cholangitis, whereas HPE at >90 days was associated with less risk (OR 0.46, P = 0.001). Among those with ≥5 episodes, Asian race (OR 2.66, P = 0.038), public insurance (OR 1.72, P = 0.043), EV (OR 1.81, P = 0.017), and PH (OR 2.88, P < 0.001) were associated with higher risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Complications, such as cholangitis remain a common problem for patients, after HPE, with median of 2 episodes within 2 years. Higher rates of cholangitis are associated with portal hypertension whereas lower rate is associated with age at HPE of >90 days. Asians, patients with public insurance, and those with portal hypertension are more likely to have recurrent cholangitis.

Long-Term Effects of Kasai Portoenterostomy for Biliary Atresia Treatment in Russia

This prospective study enrolled 144 patients after surgical treatment of biliary atresia in early infancy. We analyzed the immediate effectiveness of the surgery and the age-related structure of complications in the up to 16-year follow-up. The immediate 2-year survival rate after the surgery constituted 49.5%. At the time of this writing, 17 of the patients had celebrated their 10th birthdays with good quality of life and no indications for transplantation of the liver. The obtained results underscore the critical importance of surgical correction of biliary atresia by Kasai surgery in the first 60 days of life and subsequent dynamic follow-up of patients for the purpose of the early detection and timely correction of possible complications.

Biliary atresia: Potential for a new decade

Biliary atresia is characterised as an obliterative cholangiopathy of both extra-and intra-hepatic bile ducts. There is marked aetiological heterogeneity with a number of different variants, some syndromic and others perhaps virally-mediated. Current research aims to try and define possible mechanisms and pathogenesis though an actual breakthrough remains elusive. There has been little in the way of surgical advances beyond subtle variations in the Kasai portoenterostomy and laparoscopic equivalents have no declared advantage and have yet to prove equivalence in measures of outcome. The next target has been to maximise potential with better adjuvant therapy, though the evidence base for most currently available therapies such as steroids and ursodeoxycholic acid remains limited. Still high-dose steroid use is widespread, certainly in Europe and the Far East. Clearance of jaundice can be achieved in 50-60% of those subjected to portoenterostomy at <70 days and should be an achievable benchmark. Transplantation is a widely available "rescue" therapy though whether it should be an alternative as a primary procedure is arguable but becoming increasingly heard. The aim of clinical practice remains to get these infants for surgery as early as is possible though this can be difficult to accomplish in practice, and "low-cost" screening projects using stool colour charts have been limited outside of Taiwan and Japan. Centralisation of resources (medical and surgical) is associated with a diminution of time to portoenterostomy but application has been limited by entrenched health delivery models or geographical constraints.

Predicting native liver injury and survival in biliary atresia

Several patient and treatment related factors significantly modify outcomes of biliary atresia. The extremely variable prognosis mandates intensive postoperative monitoring following portoenterostomy. Accurate prediction of outcome and progression of liver injury would enable individualized treatment and follow-up protocols, patient counseling and meaningful stratification of patients into clinical trials. While results on most biomarkers of cholestasis, hepatocyte function, fibrosis and inflammation studied so far are inconsistent or have not been validated in independent patient cohorts, postoperative serum bilirubin level 3 months after portoenterostomy remains the most accurate clinically feasible predictor of native liver survival. Although liver stiffness and a novel marker of cholangiocyte integrity, serum matrix metalloproteinase-7, correlate with liver fibrosis and may discriminate biliary atresia from other causes of neonatal cholestasis, further information on their ability to predict portoenterostomy outcomes is needed. Recent gene expression profiling has shown promise in overcoming the sampling error associated with histological quantification of liver fibrosis, and provides an important possibility to stratify patients for clinical trials according to the prognosis of native liver survival already preoperatively. As activity and extent of ductular reaction is linked with progression of liver fibrosis in cholangiopathies, further research is also warranted to evaluate predictive value of ductular reaction, matrix metalloproteinase-7 and the underlying gene expression signatures in relation to circulating bile acids in biliary atresia. Discovery of accurate predictive tools will ultimately increase our understanding of the unpredictable response to surgery and pathophysiology of progressive liver injury in biliary atresia.

Anatomical and histological characteristics of the hepatobiliary system in adult Sox17 heterozygote mice

Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare neonatal disease characterized by inflammation and obstruction of the extrahepatic bile ducts (EHBDs). The Sox17-haploinsufficient (Sox17^+/- ) mouse is an animal model of BA that encompasses bile duct injury and subsequent BA-like inflammation by the neonatal stage. Most Sox17^+/- neonates die soon after birth, but some Sox17^+/- pups reach adulthood and have a normal life span, unlike human BA. However, the phenotype and BA-derived scars in the hepatobiliary organs of surviving Sox17^+/- mice are unknown. Here, we examined the phenotypes of the hepatobiliary organs in post-weaning and young adult Sox17^+/- mice. The results confirmed the significant reduction in liver weight, together with peripheral calcinosis and aberrant vasculature in the hepatic lobule, in surviving Sox17^+/- mice as compared with their wild-type (WT) littermates. Such hepatic phenotypes may be sequelae of hepatobiliary damage at the fetal and neonatal stages, a notion supported by the slight, but significant, increases in the levels of serum markers of liver damage in adult Sox17^+/- mice. The surviving Sox17^+/- mice had a shorter gallbladder in which ectopic hepatic ducts were more frequent compared to WT mice. Also, the surviving Sox17^+/- mice showed neither obstruction of the EHBDs nor atrophy or inflammation of hepatocytes or the intrahepatic ducts. These data suggest that some Sox17^+/- pups with BA naturally escape lethality and recover from fetal hepatobiliary damages during the perinatal period, highlighting the usefulness of the in vivo model in understanding the hepatobiliary healing processes after surgical restoration of bile flow in human BA.