Maternal microchimerism in biliary atresia: are maternal cells effector cells, targets, or just bystanders?

The etiology of biliary atresia (BA) is unknown; however, the liver histology is similar to that observed in immune-mediated hepatic disorders. Liver fibrosis in BA progresses even after bile drainage has been achieved by the Kasai operation. Maternal microchimerism has been purported to play a part in the pathogenesis of BA as well as certain autoimmune diseases. However, the role of maternal cells has not yet been determined in BA. Specifically, it is unknown whether these maternal cells function as maternal effector T lymphocytes, or targets or bystanders. We currently hypothesize that the first hit is due to GvHD interaction by engrafted maternal effector T lymphocytes. Furthermore, we suggest that the secondary effects that are manifested by progressive cirrhosis are caused either by maternal chimeric effector T lymphocytes (e.g., GvHD interaction) or targets (e.g., HvGD interaction). Based on our hypothesis, mixed lymphocyte reactions between patients and their mothers might shed light on the etiopathogenesis and prognostic indicators.

Hepatic osteodystrophy complicated with bone fracture in early infants with biliary atresia

Biliary atresia (BA) is one of the major hepatobiliary abnormalities in infants and one of the causes of hepatic osteodystrophy. Bone disease may be caused by the malabsorption of calcium and magnesium by vitamin D in hepatobiliary diseases in which bile flow into the intestines is deficient or absent. Bone fracture before Kasai hepatic portoenterostomy or within one month after the procedure in an infant with BA is very rare. We herein report two infants: one infant with BA who initially presented with a bone fracture before Kasai hepatic portoenterostomy, and the other at 4 wk after Kasai hepatic portoenterostomy, and also provide a review of the literature. Moreover, we conclude that clinicians should consider BA in infants with bone fracture during early infancy.