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Li T, Zheng Q, Zhang R, Liu S, Lin Y, Zhan J. A novel model based on immune-related genes for differentiating biliary atresia from other cholestatic diseases. Pediatr Surg Int 2022; 39:45. [PMID: 36502440 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-022-05322-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Based on a public gene expression database, this study established the immune-related genetic model that distinguished BA from other cholestasis diseases (DC) for the first time. We explored the molecular mechanism of BA based on the gene model. METHODS The BA microarray dataset GSE46960, containing BA, other cause of intrahepatic cholestasis than biliary atresia and normal liver gene expression data, was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We performed a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis to establish and validate an immune-related gene model and subsequently identified hub genes as biomarkers associated with the molecular mechanisms of BA. To assess the model's performance for separating BA from other cholestasis diseases, we used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC. Independent datasets GSE69948 and GSE122340 were used for the validation process. RESULTS The model was built using eight immune-related genes, including EDN1, HAMP, SAA1, SPP1, ANKRD1, MMP7, TACSTD2, and UCA1. In the GSE46960 and validation group, it presented excellent results, and the prediction accuracy of BA in comparison to other cholestasis diseases was good. Functional enrichment analysis revealed significant immunological differences between BA and other cholestatic diseases. Finally, we found that the TNFα-NF-κB pathway is associated with EDN1 gene expression and may explain fibrosis progression, which may become a new therapeutic target. CONCLUSION In summary, we have successfully constructed an immune-related gene model that can distinguish BA from other cholestatic diseases, while identifying the hub gene. Our exploration of immune genes provides new clues for the early diagnosis, molecular mechanism, and clinical treatment of biliary atresia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengfei Li
- Tianjin Children's Hospital, 238 Longyan Road, Beichen District, Tianjin, Tianjin, 300400, China
| | - Qipeng Zheng
- Tianjin Children's Hospital, 238 Longyan Road, Beichen District, Tianjin, Tianjin, 300400, China
| | - Ruifeng Zhang
- Tianjin Children's Hospital, 238 Longyan Road, Beichen District, Tianjin, Tianjin, 300400, China
| | - Shaowen Liu
- Tianjin Children's Hospital, 238 Longyan Road, Beichen District, Tianjin, Tianjin, 300400, China
| | - Yuda Lin
- Tianjin Children's Hospital, 238 Longyan Road, Beichen District, Tianjin, Tianjin, 300400, China
| | - Jianghua Zhan
- Tianjin Children's Hospital, 238 Longyan Road, Beichen District, Tianjin, Tianjin, 300400, China.
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He L, Ip DKM, Tam G, Lui VCH, Tam PKH, Chung PHY. Biomarkers for the diagnosis and post-Kasai portoenterostomy prognosis of biliary atresia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11692. [PMID: 34083585 PMCID: PMC8175424 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91072-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the accuracy of biomarkers for the early diagnosis of biliary atresia (BA) and prognostic stratification after Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE). We conducted a systematic review of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus and OVID for English literature reporting BA biomarkers published before August 2020. Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed in duplicate. A total of 51 eligible studies were included in the systematic review, and data from 12 (4182 subjects) were extracted for meta-analysis regarding the following 2 domains: (1) serum matrix metallopeptidase-7 (MMP-7), interleukin33 (IL-33) and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) to differentiate BA from non-BA; (2) the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRi) to predict post-KPE liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. The summary sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve (AUC) of MMP-7 for diagnosing BA were 96%, 91% and 0.9847, respectively, and those of GGT were 80%, 79% and 0.9645, respectively. The summary sensitivity and specificity of IL-33 for diagnosing BA were 77% and 85%, respectively. The summary sensitivity and specificity of APRi for predicting post-KPE liver fibrosis were 61% and 80%, respectively, and the summary sensitivity, specificity and AUC of APRi for predicting post-KPE cirrhosis were 78%, 83% and 0.8729, respectively. Moreover, good evidence was shown in investigations of serum IL-18 and IL-33 in distinguishing BA from healthy controls, serum IL-18 for prognosis of post-KPE persistent jaundice, and serum hyaluronic acid and MMP-7 for prognosis of post-KPE significant liver fibrosis. MMP-7, IL-33 and GGT are useful biomarkers to assist in the diagnosis of BA. APRi might be used to predict post-KPE significant liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. These noninvasive biomarkers can be integrated into the management protocol of BA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin He
- Department of Radiotherapy, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dennis Kai Ming Ip
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, SAR
| | - Greta Tam
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, SAR
| | - Vincent Chi Hang Lui
- Departmet of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, SAR
| | - Paul Kwong Hang Tam
- Departmet of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, SAR
| | - Patrick Ho Yu Chung
- Departmet of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, SAR.
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Ueno T, Saka R, Takama Y, Yamanaka H, Tazuke Y, Bessho K, Okuyama H. Onset ages of hepatopulmonary syndrome and pulmonary hypertension in patients with biliary atresia. Pediatr Surg Int 2017; 33:1053-1057. [PMID: 28871319 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-017-4136-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) and portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) are extrahepatic complications of biliary atresia (BA). Their detection is sometimes delayed, which may result in missed opportunities for liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to determine the onset ages of HPS and PoPH in BA patients. METHODS BA patients followed at our institution were identified. Patients visited our clinic for routine blood work, as well as regular electrocardiography, chest X-rays, and arterial blood gas tests. Lung perfusion scintigraphy and cardiac ultrasound were performed to diagnose HPS. Cardiac catheterization was conducted to diagnose PoPH. RESULTS The study population consisted of 88 BA patients. The median follow-up duration was 11.6 years (range 0.8-26.0 years). Six patients (6.8%) developed HPS and three patients (3.4%) developed PoPH. The median age of onset of HPS was significantly younger than that of PoPH (HPS: 4 years, PoPH: 15 years, P < 0.019). Two patients (66%) with PoPH died, while all patients with HPS survivied. CONCLUSION The onset of HPS was significantly earlier than that of PoPH. The mortality rate was high in patients with PoPH. Teenagers with BA should receive routine cardiac echocardiograms to detect PH in its early stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehisa Ueno
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Osaka University of Graduation School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Ryuta Saka
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Osaka University of Graduation School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuichi Takama
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Osaka University of Graduation School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Yamanaka
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Osaka University of Graduation School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuko Tazuke
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Osaka University of Graduation School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Bessho
- Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University of Graduation School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Hiroomi Okuyama
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Osaka University of Graduation School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
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Urotensin II as a novel marker for portal hypertension and bleeding varices. EGYPTIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2015. [DOI: 10.1097/01.elx.0000475366.85685.4c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Anti-apoptotic effects of novel phenolic antioxidant isolated from the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) on cultured human hepatocytes under oxidative stress. Food Chem 2015; 176:226-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.12.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Revised: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Noninvasive evaluation of portal hypertension: emerging tools and techniques. Int J Hepatol 2012; 2012:691089. [PMID: 22720166 PMCID: PMC3376538 DOI: 10.1155/2012/691089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension is the main cause of complications in patients with cirrhosis. However, evaluating the development and progression of portal hypertension represents a challenge for clinicians. There has been considerable focus on the potential role of noninvasive markers of portal hypertension that could be used to stratify patients with respect to the stage of portal hypertension and to monitor disease progression or treatment response in a longitudinal manner without having to undertake repeated invasive assessment. The pathogenesis of portal hypertension is increasingly understood and emerging knowledge of the vascular processes that underpin portal hypertension has paved the way for exploring novel biomarkers of vascular injury, angiogenesis, and endothelial dysfunction. In this paper we focus on the pathogenesis of portal hypertension and potential non-invasive biomarkers with particular emphasis on serum analytes.
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Assessment of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis by aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index in children with biliary atresia. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2010; 51:198-202. [PMID: 20531020 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0b013e3181da1d98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with biliary atresia (BA), liver fibrosis and cirrhosis commonly occur even after Kasai hepatoportoenterostomy. Although liver biopsy is the gold standard to evaluate liver fibrosis, it is invasive and may result in life-threatening complications. The aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) is a safe and simple method to assess liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver diseases. To use APRI as a postoperative follow-up tool, we validated the diagnostic power of APRI for the degree of liver fibrosis in postoperative patients with BA. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with newly diagnosed BA who underwent the Kasai procedure between March 2006 and May 2009 were analyzed. Several laboratory tests including APRI were performed. Liver wedge biopsy specimens were obtained during the surgical procedure, and histopathologic analyses were performed using the Metavir classification. RESULTS Thirty-five patients (12 boys, median age of 1.9 months) were enrolled. Metavir scores were F1 in 0, F2 in 11, F3 in 11, and F4 in 13 patients. The areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves for F > or = 3 and F = 4 were 0.92 and 0.91, respectively. Distinct optimal cutoff values of APRI for F > or = 3 and F = 4 were obtained (1.01 and 1.41, respectively). Clinical outcomes of patients were significantly different between 2 groups (noncirrhosis vs cirrhosis) based on APRI before and 3 months after the Kasai procedure. CONCLUSION APRI may be used as a simple and readily available tool for assessing liver fibrosis without additional risks in patients with BA during postoperative follow-up care.
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Pereira TN, Walsh MJ, Lewindon PJ, Ramm GA. Paediatric cholestatic liver disease: Diagnosis, assessment of disease progression and mechanisms of fibrogenesis. World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol 2010; 1:69-84. [PMID: 21607144 PMCID: PMC3097948 DOI: 10.4291/wjgp.v1.i2.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2010] [Revised: 03/26/2010] [Accepted: 04/02/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholestatic liver disease causes significant morbidity and mortality in children. The diagnosis and management of these diseases can be complicated by an inability to detect early stages of fibrosis and a lack of adequate interventional therapy. There is no single gold standard test that accurately reflects the presence of liver disease, or that can be used to monitor fibrosis progression, particularly in conditions such as cystic fibrosis. This has lead to controversy over how suspected liver disease in children is detected and diagnosed. This review discusses the challenges in using commonly available methods to diagnose hepatic fibrosis and monitor disease progression in children with cholestatic liver disease. In addition, the review examines the mechanisms hypothesised to be involved in the development of hepatic fibrogenesis in paediatric cholestatic liver injury which may ultimately aid in identifying new modalities to assist in both disease detection and therapeutic intervention.
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Grander W, Eller P, Fuschelberger R, Tilg H. Bosentan treatment of portopulmonary hypertension related to liver cirrhosis owing to hepatitis C. Eur J Clin Invest 2006; 36 Suppl 3:67-70. [PMID: 16919014 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2006.01687.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) with coexisting portal hypertension has been defined as portopulmonary hypertension (PPHTN). It is often related to liver cirrhosis of various aetiologies and is associated with a high mortality rate. Endothelin-1 (ET) is supposed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of PAH as well as portal hypertension. Therefore, therapy with an ET(A)/ET(B) receptor antagonist might be of use in the treatment of PPHTN. We report the case of a 76-year-old male with liver cirrhosis owing to chronic hepatitis C virus infection and PPHTN who was treated with the dual ET(A)/ET(B) receptor antagonist bosentan. The patient showed remarkable improvement of 6-min walking distance from 300 to 480 m after 2 weeks and to 540 m after 14 weeks, respectively. In addition, a significant decline of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide fraction (NT-proBNP) from 4928 ng mL(-1) to 640 ng mL(-1) was observed. Bosentan might be a promising new therapeutical option for patients suffering from PPHTN.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Grander
- Department of Internal Medicine, Community Hospital Hall, Hall/Tirol, Austria.
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Yang JF, Wu XJ, Li JS, Cao JM, Han JM. Effect of somatostatin versus octreotide on portal haemodynamics in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2005; 17:53-7. [PMID: 15647641 DOI: 10.1097/00042737-200501000-00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Elevated portal inflow is part of the pathogenesis of portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis. Vasoactive substances appear to play a primary role in the regulation of portal flow. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of somatostatin and octreotide on portal pressure and plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), nitric oxide (NO), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and glucagon (GLU). METHODS Portal pressures of 14 cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension who underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) were directly measured via a catheter placed in the portal vein. Portal pressure and IGF-1, NO, ET-1 and GLU plasma levels were determined at baseline, and at 8 h and 24 h after administration of somatostatin or octreotide via portal vein catheter in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design. RESULTS The average decrease in portal pressure after intravenous infusion of somatostatin and octreotide was 9.4 +/- 1.0 cmH2O and 5.0 +/- 1.0 cmH2O, respectively (P < 0.01). Plasma levels of GLU and IGF-1 decreased significantly 8 and 24 h after somatostatin and octreotide infusion (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant decreases in plasma NO or ET-1 levels. There was a significant difference between somatostatin and octreotide groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Both somatostatin and octreotide can significantly reduce portal pressure, although somatostatin is more potent than octreotide. The underlying mechanisms may involve inhibition of the secretion of GLU, IGF-1 and other hormones as well as a decrease in hepatic metabolism and portal inflow leading to a reduction in portal pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Fen Yang
- Research Institute of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China
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Guo CY, Wu JY, Wu YB, Zhong MZ, Lu HM. Effects of endothelin-1 on hepatic stellate cell proliferation, collagen synthesis and secretion, intracellular free calcium concentration. World J Gastroenterol 2004; 10:2697-700. [PMID: 15309721 PMCID: PMC4572195 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v10.i18.2697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM: To explore the effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) DNA uptake, DNA synthesis, collagen synthesis and secretion, inward whole-cell calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) as well as the blocking effect of verapamil on ET-1-stimulated release of inward calcium (Ca2+) of HSC in vitro.
METHODS: Rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were isolated and cultivated. 3H-TdR and 3H-proline incorporation used for testing DNA uptake and synthesis, collagen synthesis and secretion of HSCs cultured in vitro; Fluorescent calcium indicator Fura-2/AM was used to measure [Ca2+]i inward HSCs.
RESULTS: ET-1 at the concentration of 5 × 10-8 mol/L, caused significant increase both in HSC DNA synthesis (2247 ± 344 cpm, P < 0.05) and DNA uptake (P < 0.05) when compared with the control group. ET-1 could also increase collagen synthesis (P < 0.05 vs control group) and collagen secretion (P < 0.05 vs control group). Besides, inward HSC [Ca2+] i reached a peak concentration (422 ± 98 mol/L, P < 0.001) at 2 min and then went down slowly to165 ± 51 mol/L (P < 0.01) at 25 min from resting state (39 ± 4 mol/L) after treated with ET-1. Verapamil (5 mol/L) blocked ET-1-activated [Ca2+]i inward HSCs compared with control group (P < 0.05). Fura-2/AM loaded HSC was suspended in no Ca2+ buffer containing 1 mol/L EGTA, 5 min later, 10-8 mol/L of ET-1 was added, [Ca2+]i inward HSCs rose from resting state to peak 399 ± 123 mol/L, then began to come down by the time of 20 min. It could also raise [Ca2+]i inward HSCs even without Ca2+ in extracellular fluid, and had a remarkable dose-effect relationship (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, verapamil could restrain the action of ET-1 (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Actions of ET-1 on collagen metabolism of HSCs may depend on the transportation of inward whole-cell calcium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Yong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China.
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N/A. N/A. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2004; 12:483-485. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v12.i2.483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Meyers RL, Book LS, O'Gorman MA, Jackson WD, Black RE, Johnson DG, Matlak ME. High-dose steroids, ursodeoxycholic acid, and chronic intravenous antibiotics improve bile flow after Kasai procedure in infants with biliary atresia. J Pediatr Surg 2003; 38:406-11. [PMID: 12632357 DOI: 10.1053/jpsu.2003.50069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Early reports suggest that the use of steroids after Kasai portoenterostomy may improve bile flow and outcome in infants with biliary atresia. METHODS Of 28 infants with biliary atresia, half received adjuvant high-dose steroids, and half received standard therapy. Infants in the steroid group (n = 14) received intravenous solumedrol (taper of 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 mg/kg/d), followed by 8 to 12 weeks of prednisone (2 mg/kg/d). The steroid protocol also included ursodeoxycholic acid indefinitely and intravenous antibiotics for 8 to 12 weeks followed by oral antibiotic prophylaxis. Infants in the standard therapy group (n = 14) received no steroids, occasional ursodeoxycholic acid, and perioperative intravenous antibiotics followed by oral antibiotic prophylaxis. The infants were not assigned randomly, but rather received standard therapy or adjuvant steroid therapy according to individual surgeon preference. RESULTS Eleven of 14 (79%) in the steroid group and 3 of 14 (21%) in the standard therapy group had a conjugated bilirubin level less than 1.0 within 3 to 4 months of surgery (P <.001). Fewer patients in the steroid group (21% v 85%) required liver transplantation or died during the first year of life (P <.001). Infants in the steroid group did better despite the fact that this group included 5 infants with biliary atresia-polysplenia-heterotaxia syndrome, a subgroup that might have been expected to have a poor prognosis. Neither bile duct size nor liver histology was a reliable predictor of success or failure in either group. CONCLUSIONS Adjuvant therapy using high-dose steroids, ursodeoxycholic acid, and intravenous antibiotics may accelerate the clearance of jaundice and decrease the need for early liver transplantation after Kasai portoenterostomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecka L Meyers
- Divisions of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Gastroenterology, Primary Children's Medical Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84113, USA
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