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

Tadao Okada1, Shohei Honda, Hisayuki Miyagi

  • 1Tadao Okada, Shohei Honda, Hisayuki Miyagi, Masashi Minato, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo 060-8648, Japan.

World Journal of Hepatology
|January 8, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Biliary atresia (BA) can cause bone fractures in infants, even before or shortly after Kasai portoenterostomy surgery. Early diagnosis of BA is crucial for infants presenting with bone fractures during early infancy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Hepatology
  • Orthopedics

Background:

  • Biliary atresia (BA) is a significant infant hepatobiliary disorder.
  • BA can lead to hepatic osteodystrophy due to impaired nutrient absorption.
  • Vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium malabsorption contribute to bone disease in BA.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report rare cases of bone fractures in infants with BA.
  • To highlight the association between BA and early-onset bone fractures.
  • To review existing literature on this condition.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of two infants with BA and bone fractures.
  • Literature review on BA and bone fractures in infancy.

Main Results:

  • One infant presented with a bone fracture before Kasai portoenterostomy.
  • Another infant experienced a bone fracture 4 weeks after Kasai portoenterostomy.
  • Bone fractures are a rare but significant presentation in infants with BA.

Conclusions:

  • Clinicians should consider biliary atresia in infants presenting with bone fractures.
  • Early recognition of BA is vital for managing associated bone disease.
  • This presentation underscores the systemic impact of BA.

Keywords:
Biliary atresiaBone fracturHepatic osteodystrophyKasai hepatic portoenterostomyVitamin D deficiency

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