Biliary Atresia - Clinical Series

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Hepatology
• Surgical Gastroenterology
• Pediatric Liver Transplantation

Background:

• Biliary atresia is a leading cause of pediatric liver failure and the primary indication for liver transplantation.
• This study focuses on patients diagnosed and treated for biliary atresia between 2000 and 2015.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the epidemiological, clinical, biochemical, and imaging data of pediatric patients with biliary atresia.
• To evaluate the outcomes, complications, and survival rates in this patient cohort.
• To identify prognostic factors influencing the disease's progression and treatment success.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, observational, and retrospective study design was employed.
• Data collected included patient demographics, clinical presentation, biochemical markers, imaging results, and treatment outcomes.
• Analysis focused on patients diagnosed and treated between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2015.

Main Results:

• Eighteen patients were evaluated, with a median age of 63 days at Kasai portoenterostomy.
• Surgical success was achieved in two-thirds of cases, with better prognosis for those operated on before 72 days.
• Survival rates with native liver were 77.8% at 1 year, 72.2% at 5 years, and 64.2% at 10 years; recurrent cholangitis was associated with survival.

Conclusions:

• The study observed higher surgical success and long-term survival rates compared to many published series.
• Age at surgery and recurrent cholangitis were identified as significant prognostic factors.
• Despite a small patient cohort, outcomes align with those reported by major reference centers.