Neonatal diagnosis of biliary atresia: a practical review and update

PIgR Autoantibody-abundant Circulating Vesicles Contributes to Biliary Injury in Biliary Atresia

PURPOSE

This study aimed to elucidate the role of polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) autoantibodies in the pathogenic progression of biliary atresia (BA).

METHODS

The presence and levels of plasma pIgR autoantibodies, pIgR antigen expression, and B cell counts were assessed in liver tissues. Serum extracellular vesicles (EVs) were isolated, quantified, and characterized. The functional roles of EVs enriched with pIgR autoantibodies in biliary injury were investigated.

RESULTS

Infants diagnosed with BA exhibited significantly elevated levels of plasma pIgR autoantibodies, which positively correlated with hepatic inflammation. The expression levels of pIgR autoantibodies demonstrated high accuracy in distinguishing BA from non-BA controls. Notably, the presence of pIgR antigens was specifically observed in cholangiocytes and was associated with an increased number of CD27+ memory B cells within the liver tissue. Furthermore, the concentration of pIgR autoantibodies was found to be higher in EVs derived from BA patients compared to those from control subjects. EVs enriched with pIgR autoantibodies induced biliary injury potentially through activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that pIgR autoantibody may serve as a potential biomarker for differentiating infants with BA from those without it. Additionally, these results indicate that EVs enriched with pIgR autoantibody could play a significant role in the underlying pathogenesis of BA.

[Kasai-hepatoportoenterostomy for the treatment of biliary atresia - What is important?]

Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare disease in neonates of unknown etiology. BA is defined by the extent of extra- and intrahepatic bile duct destruction, which results in liver deterioration and cirrhosis within the first years of life. Liver transplantation (LT) is the only curative treatment for BA, accompanied by LT-associated risks and complications; however, more than 60 years after it's first report, the Kasai hepatoportoenterostomy (KPE) is still an essential procedure in the sequential management of BA, as the primary surgical treatment option that can achieve long-term survival with a native liver. We highlight the key surgical steps of KPE and discuss relevant aspects.

Positive autoregulation of Sox17 is necessary for gallbladder and extrahepatic bile duct formation

Expression of SRY-box transcription factor 17 (Sox17) in the endodermal region caudal to the hepatic diverticulum during late gastrulation is necessary for hepato-pancreato-biliary system formation. Analysis of an allelic series of promoter-proximal mutations near the transcription start site (TSS) 2 of Sox17 in mouse has revealed that gallbladder (GB) and extrahepatic bile duct (EHBD) development is exquisitely sensitive to Sox17 expression levels. Deletion of a SOX17-binding cis-regulatory element in the TSS2 promoter impairs GB and EHBD development by reducing outgrowth of the nascent biliary bud. These findings reveal the existence of a SOX17-dependent autoregulatory loop that drives Sox17 expression above a critical threshold concentration necessary for GB and EHBD development to occur, and that minor impairments in Sox17 gene expression are sufficient to impair the expression of SOX17-regulated genes in the nascent GB and EHBD system, impairing or preventing development.

Neonatal Liver Imaging: Techniques, Role of Imaging, and Indications

The neonatal liver may be affected by a variety of congenital and acquired diseases. Imaging has an important role in the workup and management of many neonatal hepatic abnormalities. Some aspects of imaging the liver and imaging findings are specific to neonatal patients when compared with those in older children. Therefore, selecting and tailoring the imaging technique for each indication in the neonate is important for optimal care, with minimal invasiveness. Common indications for imaging include incidental focal lesions, neonatal liver failure, cholestasis, and sepsis. US is the primary imaging modality, and for most conditions it is the only imaging modality required. MRI is the next modality after US for neonatal liver assessment and is especially required for complete assessment and staging of neoplasms, vascular abnormalities, and diagnosis of neonatal hemochromatosis. CT can be used when MRI is not available and should be used sparingly and in patients with acute conditions such as intra-abdominal bleeding. The authors emphasize imaging modalities that can be used for assessment of neonatal liver abnormalities, the imaging appearances of normal and changing structures in the neonatal liver, and indications for imaging. Abnormalities that are described include neonatal liver failure, infections, hepatic calcifications, umbilical venous catheter-related complications, and vascular abnormalities. ©RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Preoperative evaluation of biliary atresia

Biliary atresia can be a challenging diagnosis to make as there is no single definitive diagnostic laboratory or imaging study available and no single agreed upon diagnostic algorithm. The purpose of this article is to review the complex puzzle of clinical, laboratory, and imaging studies that aid in the evaluation of infants suspected of having biliary atresia. We have reviewed historical and current manuscripts and society guidelines, added our own experience in evaluating infants for biliary atresia, and then summarized the findings to provide a concise review of what we feel is the modern approach to diagnosis of biliary atresia.

Booster administration of Tc-99m PMT for delayed static imaging in patients with biliary atresia

OBJECTIVE

Tc-99m N-pyridoxyl-5-methyl-tryptophan (PMT) hepatobiliary scintigraphy has high diagnostic performance for biliary atresia. Our hospital implements standard Tc-99m PMT administration followed by a 6 h static imaging review; booster doses are given in cases requiring 24 h delayed scans. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of this method.

METHODS

A total of 37 pediatric patients who underwent Tc-99m PMT biliary scintigraphy were classified into the surgically-diagnosed biliary atresia or non-biliary atresia groups. The absence of tracer accumulation in the small bowel was considered a hepatobiliary scintigraphic diagnosis of biliary atresia. The Clopper-Pearson method was used to calculate the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for determining the diagnostic accuracy, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity of Tc-99m PMT biliary scintigraphy.

RESULTS

Among the 37 patients, 12 were classified into the diagnosis of biliary atresia group. Regarding biliary scintigraphy findings, 16 of 37 patients demonstrated tracer accumulation in the small bowel within 6 h of testing. These cases were diagnosed as non-biliary atresia, requiring no further testing or booster administration. In contrast, 21 patients underwent delayed testing requiring booster administration, which revealed 13 without tracer excretion and 11 who were diagnosed with biliary atresia. Among the eight patients with tracer accumulation, only one was diagnosed with biliary atresia. Furthermore, two cases without tracer excretion and seven cases with tracer excretion were clinically diagnosed as non-biliary atresia. The diagnostic performance of our examination was as follows: a diagnostic accuracy of 91.9% (34/37; 95% CIs 78.0-98.3%), sensitivity of 91.6% (11/12; 95% CIs 61.5-99.8%), specificity of 92.0% (23/25; 95% CIs 74.0-99.0%), a positive predictive value of 84.6% (11/13; 95% CIs 54.6-98.0%), and a negative predictive value of 95.8% (23/24; 95% CIs 78.9-99.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our protocol for Tc-99m PMT biliary scintigraphy using tracer booster administration demonstrated reliable diagnostic performance for biliary atresia. Notably, 43% of cases did not require booster administration, indicating that lesser radiation exposure may still yield comparable diagnostic accuracy.

Biliary atresia in a 3-month-old infant (case report)

Biliary atresia (BA) is a congenital disease that occurs when extrahepatic bile ducts are either absent or deficient, resulting in liver fibrosis, portal hypertension, and eventually cirrhosis. It is the most common cause of persistent obstructive jaundice in newborns lasting more than two weeks is this condition. Abdominal ultrasound (US) is the primary imaging technique used to diagnose BA, while computed tomography (CT) is reserved for more complex cases. The gold standard for diagnosing BA is still intraoperative cholangiogram with liver biopsy. Treatment for BA usually involves Kasai hepatoportoenterostomy, but some patients still require liver transplantation due to diagnostic delays and advanced disease. In this study, the authors present the case of a 3-month-old infant with biliary atresia and its ultrasound characteristics, who underwent liver transplantation due to advanced disease. The primary objective of imaging is to provide a prompt diagnosis, given the crucial significance of timely surgical intervention.

Biliary fibrosis is an important but neglected pathological feature in hepatobiliary disorders: from molecular mechanisms to clinical implications

Fibrosis resulting from pathological repair secondary to recurrent or persistent tissue damage often leads to organ failure and mortality. Biliary fibrosis is a crucial but easily neglected pathological feature in hepatobiliary disorders, which may promote the development and progression of benign and malignant biliary diseases through pathological healing mechanisms secondary to biliary tract injuries. Elucidating the etiology and pathogenesis of biliary fibrosis is beneficial to the prevention and treatment of biliary diseases. In this review, we emphasized the importance of biliary fibrosis in cholangiopathies and summarized the clinical manifestations, epidemiology, and aberrant cellular composition involving the biliary ductules, cholangiocytes, immune system, fibroblasts, and the microbiome. We also focused on pivotal signaling pathways and offered insights into ongoing clinical trials and proposing a strategic approach for managing biliary fibrosis-related cholangiopathies. This review will offer a comprehensive perspective on biliary fibrosis and provide an important reference for future mechanism research and innovative therapy to prevent or reverse fibrosis.

Simple biliary atresia score-a validated diagnostic aid for infantile cholestasis

PURPOSE

The workup of jaundiced infants may be variable and protracted, thereby delaying the diagnosis and timely intervention for biliary atresia (BA). This potentially leads to inferior outcomes. We developed a practical score to stratify infantile cholestasis according to the risk of having BA.

METHOD

The score (0-7) [gallbladder length ≤ 15 mm (+ 1), common bile duct (CBD) diameter < 0.5 mm(+ 1), pre-portal vein (PV) echogenicity(+ 1), direct-to-total bilirubin ratio (D/T) ≥ 0.7(+ 2), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) ≥ 200 IU/L(+ 2)] are derived from logistic regression of data from a retrospective cohort of cholestatic infants (n = 58, 41 BA) in our institution. It was then validated with a separate retrospective cohort (n = 28, 17 BA) from another institution. Final diagnoses were as per intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) and liver histopathology.

RESULTS

A cutoff score of ≥ 3 diagnosed BA with 100% and 94% sensitivity in the derivative cohort (area under receiver operating characteristic curve, AUROC 0.869) and validation cohort (AUROC 0.807), respectively. D/T ratio was the most sensitive (93%) and CBD diameter was the most specific (88%) parameter. The score accurately predicted non-BA in 11(65%) and 7(63%) infants in the derivative and validation cohorts, respectively, with one missed BA in the latter.

CONCLUSION

We propose a validated, simple, yet sensitive diagnostic score to risk-stratify cholestatic infants, aiming to expedite definitive management of BA.

Identification of diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for biliary atresia via WGCNA and machine learning methods

Biliary atresia (BA) is a severe and progressive biliary obstructive disease in infants that requires early diagnosis and new therapeutic targets. This study employed bioinformatics methods to identify diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for BA. Our analysis of mRNA expression from Gene Expression Omnibus datasets revealed 3,273 differentially expressed genes between patients with BA and those without BA (nBA). Weighted gene coexpression network analysis determined that the turquoise gene coexpression module, consisting of 298 genes, is predominantly associated with BA. The machine learning method then filtered out the top 2 important genes, CXCL8 and TMSB10, from the turquoise module. The area under receiver operating characteristic curves for TMSB10 and CXCL8 were 0.961 and 0.927 in the training group and 0.819 and 0.791 in the testing group, which indicated a high diagnostic value. Besides, combining TMSB10 and CXCL8, a nomogram with better diagnostic performance was built for clinical translation. Several studies have highlighted the potential of CXCL8 as a therapeutic target for BA, while TMSB10 has been shown to regulate cell polarity, which was related to BA progression. Our analysis with qRT PCR and immunohistochemistry also confirmed the upregulation of TMSB10 at mRNA and protein levels in BA liver samples. These findings highlight the sensitivity of CXCL8 and TMSB10 as diagnostic biomarkers and their potential as therapeutic targets for BA.

Porta hepatis lymph nodes on US: not only identify biliary atresia but also predict outcomes after Kasai portoenterostomy surgery

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the usefulness of porta hepatis lymph nodes (PHLNs) on ultrasonography (US) scans in diagnosing biliary atresia (BA) and predicting the outcomes after Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) surgery.

METHODS

A total of 668 patients from one hospital were enrolled in the study (542 non-BA and 126 BA). The independent and combined diagnostic efficacy of PHLNs, triangular cord (TC) thickness, and gallbladder morphology were assessed by drawing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and counting the area under the ROC curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). The US features, histopathological findings of PHLNs, and serum total bilirubin (TBIL) levels 3 months post-KPE were correlated.

RESULTS

The AUC, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of PHLNs with hyperechogenicity and a maximum length larger than 8.4 mm were 0.898, 81.8%, 97.8%, 89.6%, and 95.8%, respectively. The combination of PHLNs, TC thickness, and gallbladder morphology achieved the best overall diagnostic efficacy among all indicators with an AUC of 0.927 and a sensitivity of 99.2%. The germinal center number and bile particle number of PHLNs were positively correlated with pathological size and US echogenicity intensity of PHLNs, respectively (r = 0.591, 0.377, p = 0.001, 0.004). The pathological size of PHLNs in BA patients was negatively correlated with jaundice clearance status 3 months after KPE surgery (r = -0.385, p = 0.047).

CONCLUSION

PHLNs with hyperechogenicity and a maximum length > 8.4 mm are useful US indicators for BA diagnosis. Additionally, the enlargement of PHLNs might play a role in predicting outcomes of KPE surgery.

CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

The article proposed for the first time that PHLNs with hyperechogenicity and a maximum length > 8.4 mm are a useful US indicator for diagnosing BA.

KEY POINTS

PHLNs may be helpful in diagnosing BA and predicting outcomes after surgery. Enlarged hyperechoic PHLNs are a useful diagnostic indicator for BA, and play a role in predicting surgical outcomes. These findings can assist clinicians in more accurately diagnosing BA, enabling more timely treatments.

Comparison for the diagnostic performance of early diagnostic methods for biliary atresia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Biliary atresia (BA), a progressive condition affecting canalicular-bile duct function/anatomy, requires prompt surgical intervention for favorable outcomes. Therefore, we conducted a network meta-analysis of common diagnostic methods to assess their performance and provide evidence-based support for clinical decision-making.

METHODS

We reviewed literature in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane for BA diagnostics. The search included gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), direct/combined bilirubin, matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP-7), ultrasonic triangular cord sign (TCS), hepatic scintigraphy (HS), and percutaneous cholangiocholangiography/percutaneous transhepatic cholecysto-cholangiography (PCC/PTCC). QUADAS-2 assessed study quality. Heterogeneity and threshold effect were evaluated using I2 and Spearman's correlation. We combined effect estimates, constructed SROC models, and conducted a network meta-analysis based on the ANOVA model, along with meta-regression and subgroup analysis, to obtain precise diagnostic performance assessments for BA.

RESULTS

A total of 40 studies were included in our analysis. GGT demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy for BA with a sensitivity of 81.5% (95% CI 0.792-0.836) and specificity of 72.1% (95% CI 0.693-0.748). Direct bilirubin/conjugated bilirubin showed a sensitivity of 87.6% (95% CI 0.833-0.911) but lower specificity of 59.4% (95% CI 0.549-0.638). MMP-7 exhibited a total sensitivity of 91.5% (95% CI 0.893-0.934) and a specificity of 84.3% (95% CI 0.820-0.863). TCS exhibited a sensitivity of 58.1% (95% CI 0.549-0.613) and high specificity of 92.9% (95% CI 0.911-0.944). HS had a high sensitivity of 98.4% (95% CI 0.968-0.994) and moderate specificity of 79.0% (95% CI 0.762-0.816). PCC/PTCC exhibited excellent diagnostic performance with a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 0.900-1.000) and specificity of 87.0% (95% CI 0.767-0.939). Based on the ANOVA model, the network meta-analysis revealed that MMP-7 ranked second overall, with PCC/PTCC ranking first, both exhibiting superior diagnostic accuracy compared to other techniques. Our analysis showed no significant bias in most methodologies, but MMP-7 and hepatobiliary scintigraphy exhibited biases, with p values of 0.023 and 0.002, respectively.

CONCLUSION

MMP-7 and ultrasound-guided PCC/PTCC show diagnostic potential in the early diagnosis of BA, but their clinical application is restricted due to practical limitations. Currently, the cutoff value of MMP-7 is unclear, and further evidence-based medical research is needed to firmly establish its diagnostic value. Until more evidence is available, MMP-7 is not suitable for widespread diagnostic use. Therefore, considering cost and operational simplicity, liver function tests combined with ultrasound remain the most clinically valuable non-invasive diagnostic methods for BA.

Neurotensin contributes to cholestatic liver disease potentially modulating matrix metalloprotease-7

The diagnosis and treatment of biliary atresia pose challenges due to the absence of reliable biomarkers and limited understanding of its etiology. The plasma and liver of patients with biliary atresia exhibit elevated levels of neurotensin. To investigate the specific role of neurotensin in the progression of biliary atresia, the patient's liver pathological section was employed. Biliary organoids, cultured biliary cells, and a mouse model were employed to elucidate both the potential diagnostic significance of neurotensin and its underlying mechanistic pathway. In patients' blood, the levels of neurotensin were positively correlated with matrix metalloprotease-7, interleukin-8, and liver function enzymes. Neurotensin and neurotensin receptors were mainly expressed in the intrahepatic biliary cells and were stimulated by bile acids. Neurotensin suppressed the growth and increased expression of matrix metalloprotease-7 in biliary organoids. Neurotensin inhibited mitochondrial respiration, oxidative phosphorylation, and attenuated the activation of calmodulin-dependent kinase kinase 2-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (CaMKK2-AMPK) signaling in cultured biliary cells. The stimulation of neurotensin in mice and cultured cholangiocytes resulted in the upregulation of matrix metalloprotease-7 expression through binding to its receptors, namely neurotensin receptors 1/3, thereby attenuating the activation of the CaMKK2-AMPK pathway. In conclusion, these findings revealed the changes of neurotensin in patients with cholestatic liver disease and its mechanism in the progression of the disease, providing a new understanding of the complex mechanism of hepatobiliary injury in children with biliary atresia.

[Developmental disorders of the gastrointestinal tract]

BACKGROUND

Developmental disorders of the gastrointestinal tract comprise a broad spectrum of congenital malformations of different etiologies and locations from the mouth to the anus.

METHODS

The authors present the most important malformations of the gastrointestinal tract on the basis of basic and current reviews.

RESULTS

Gastrointestinal developmental disorders occur both sporadically and in connection with malformation syndromes. Symptoms are highly variable and range from postnatal emergencies to asymptomatic abnormalities, which may be incidental radiological findings. Prenatal ultrasound examinations can often identify gastrointestinal developmental disorders at an early stage. Here, fetal magnetic resonance imaging can be a useful addition to the diagnostic process. In the first few days of life, simple X‑ray overview images, supplemented by images after the administration of contrast medium, are often sufficient.

CONCLUSION

Many patients with a malformation of the gastrointestinal tract require lifelong medical care, so that not only pediatric radiologists need specific knowledge about this group of diseases.

Bile duct matrix metalloproteinase-7 expression: a new modality for diagnosis of biliary atresia

Background

Biliary atresia (BA) is an obliterative cholangiopathy of infancy that results in cholestasis and liver fibrosis. This fibrosis is due to an imbalance in extracellular matrix (ECM) breakdown and deposition. The mechanism by which the progressive injury occurs is not fully elucidated. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in ECM turnover but also have non-ECM-related functions. Matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7) has been suggested as a promising biomarker in diagnosing BA.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the hepatic expression of MMP-7 in infants with BA.

Patients and methods

The study was a retrospective-prospective case–control study that included 50 patients who were categorized into two groups, BA group (25 patients) and non-BA cholestatic patients as a control group (25 patients). Liver biochemistry, liver biopsy, histopathology, and immunohistochemical staining for primary antibody MMP-7 were performed for all studied patients.

Results

Bile duct MMP7 expression was significantly higher in infants with BA than in non-BA cholestasis (P = 0.003), While the hepatic MMP-7 intensity did not differ significantly between both groups (P > 0.05). Bile duct expression of MMP-7 had a significant positive correlation with the BA Score (P = 0.017), while hepatic MMP-7 intensity had a significant positive correlation with alanine transaminase levels (P = 0.007) and a significant negative correlation with γ glutamyl transferase in the BA group (P = 0. 038). There was no statistically significant difference among different stages of fibrosis as regards the median of the hepatic MMP-7 intensity score and MMP-7 bile duct expression in infants with BA. There was no statistically significant difference between infants with successful and failed Kasai as regard the hepatic MMP-7 intensity and its bile duct expression.

Conclusion

Bile duct expression of MMP-7 measured by immunohistochemistry is useful for the diagnosis of BA, but it is limited in predicting the stage of liver fibrosis and the outcome of Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE).

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.

Biliary Disorders, Anomalies, and Malignancies in Children

Biliary abnormalities in children are uncommon, and the spectrum of biliary disorders is broader than in adult patients. Unlike in adults, biliary disorders in children are rarely neoplastic and are more commonly rhabdomyosarcoma rather than cholangiocarcinoma. Pediatric biliary disorders may be embryologic or congenital, such as anatomic gallbladder anomalies, anomalous pancreaticobiliary tracts, various cholestatic processes, congenital cystic lesions, or genetic conditions. They may also be benign, such as biliary filling anomalies, biliary motility disorders, and biliary inflammatory and infectious disorders. Distinguishing these entities with a single imaging modality is challenging. US is the primary imaging modality for initial evaluation of biliary abnormalities in children, due to its wide availability, lack of ionizing radiation, and low cost and because it requires no sedation. Other examinations such as MRI, CT, and nuclear medicine examinations may provide anatomic and functional information to narrow the diagnosis further. Hepatobiliary-specific contrast material with MRI can provide better assessment of biliary anatomy on delayed images than can traditional MRI contrast material. MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) allows visualization of the intra- and extrahepatic biliary ducts, which may not be possible with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Suspected biliary atresia requires multiple modalities for diagnosis and timely treatment. Determining the type of choledochal cyst calls for a combination of initial US and MRCP. Many benign and malignant biliary masses require biopsy for definitive diagnosis. Knowledge of the imaging appearances of different pediatric biliary abnormalities is necessary for appropriate imaging workup, providing a diagnosis or differential diagnosis, and guiding appropriate management. ©RSNA, 2024 Test Your Knowledge questions for this article are available in the supplemental material.

Alterations of gut microbiota in infants with biliary atresia identified by 16S rRNA-sequencing

BACKGROUND

Biliary atresia (BA) is a severe neonatal disease with progressive intra- and extra-hepatic bile ducts inflammation and hepatic fibrosis. Characterization of gut microbiome profiles in infants with biliary atresia can provide valuable information and potential disease biomarkers. Our study aims to explore the relationship between gut microbiota and biliary atresia.

METHODS

16 S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing was carried out to identify the differences in composition and diversity of gut microbiota between infants with BA and healthy subjects. A total of 31 infants with biliary atresia and 20 healthy subjects were recruited.

RESULTS

The composition of gut microbiota in BA group was significantly different with the normal control group (P < 0.05) and the abundance ratio of Klebsiella/Bifidobacterium showed great potential for identification of BA (P < 0.01). In addition, the differential bacterial taxa were involved in lipid and vitamins metabolism.

CONCLUSION

Our results could provide potential non-invasive biomarker for identification of biliary atresia and contribute to the treatment in terms of ameliorating microbiota dysbiosis.

Combi-Elasto Evaluation of the Degree of Liver Fibrosis in Children with Cholestatic Liver Disease

Cholestatic liver disease is a common liver disease in infants and young children. Liver fibrosis is a key factor affecting the prognosis, and liver transplantation is the only treatment option for liver cirrhosis. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of Combi-elasto for diagnosing liver fibrosis in children affected by cholestatic liver disease. A total of 64 children with S1-S4-grade liver fibrosis were enrolled. The general data, routine ultrasound, Combi-elasto, aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score were compared among children with different grades of liver fibrosis, and the efficacy of the above indexes for evaluating the degree of liver fibrosis was reported. There were remarkable differences in liver size, liver echogenicity, Young's modulus (E), fibrosis index (FI), activity index (AI) and FIB-4 score among the groups (all p < 0.05). E and liver echogenicity were the independent impact factors of liver fibrosis. The areas under the curve of E, APRI, FIB-4 score and the combined model (E+ liver echogenicity) in the evaluation of liver fibrosis were 0.84, 0.61, 0.66 and 0.90, respectively. Ultimately, we concluded that CE is an effective method to evaluate liver fibrosis in children with cholestatic liver disease.

Diagnostic Significance of Absence of Post-Feeding Contraction of the Gallbladder in Biliary Atresia: Two Case Reports

Ultrasonography is an essential part of the diagnostic process of biliary atresia (BA). The characteristic findings of BA include a hilar hyperechoic zone, the triangular cord sign (TCS), an absence of gallbladder contraction after feeding, and gallbladder atrophy. However, approximately 10% of patients with BA have a normal gallbladder. We herein present two cases of BA with normal morphology of the gallbladder as shown by ultrasonography. In the first case, the patient was positive for the TCS, negative for gallbladder atrophy, and positive for contraction of the gallbladder after feeding; the final diagnosis was hilar obstructive BA complicated by pancreaticobiliary maljunction. In the second case, the patient was positive for the TCS, negative for gallbladder atrophy, and negative for contraction of the gallbladder after feeding; the patient also had common bile duct obstruction and stenosis of the hepatic duct in the hilar region. Based on these two cases, we conclude that gallbladder findings are not diagnostic for BA because in some types, the gallbladder may be normal in morphology and even have the capacity for contraction after feeding.

Questioning Diagnostic Value of Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase 7 for Biliary Atresia

Background

Matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7) has been suggested as a promising biomarker in diagnosing biliary atresia (BA). This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of serum MMP7 in BA in the Middle Eastern population.

Methods and materials

In this cross-sectional study, neonates and infants with direct hyperbilirubinemia admitted to Namazi referral hospital, Shiraz, Iran, were studied. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics and blood samples were obtained on admission. MMP7 serum concentration was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ZellBio GmbH, Ulm, Germany).

Results

44 infants with a mean age of 65.59 days were studied. Of these patients, 13 cases were diagnosed with BA, and 31 cases' cholestasis related to other etiologies. Serum MMP7 concertation was 2.13 ng/mL in the BA group and 1.85 ng/mL in the non-BA group. MMP7 was significantly higher in those presented with either dark urine or acholic stool. The predictive performance capability of the MMP7 was not significant in the discrimination of BA from the non-BA group based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (area under curve: 0.6, 95% confidence interval: 0.45-0.75). In the optimal cut of point 1.9, the sensitivity and specificity were 84.6% and 45.1%, respectively. Further combination of MMP7 with Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase, direct and total bilirubin, and dark urine or acholic stool was not remarkably boosted the diagnostic accuracy of the test. Interestingly, GGT at a cut-off point of 230 U/L was 84.6% sensitive and 90.3% specific for BA.

Conclusion

Our results are not consistent with previous studies on this subject. Considering more conventional and available tests like GGT besides conducting future studies with greater samples and different geographical areas is recommended.

Pre- and Immediate Post-Kasai Portoenterostomy Shear Wave Elastography for Predicting Hepatic Fibrosis and Native Liver Outcomes in Patients With Biliary Atresia

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) for predicting hepatic fibrosis and native liver outcomes in patients with biliary atresia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective study included 33 consecutive patients with biliary atresia (median age, 8 weeks [interquartile range, 6-10 weeks]; male:female ratio, 15:18) from Severance Children's Hospital between May 2019 and February 2022. Preoperative (within 1 week from surgery) and immediate postoperative (on postoperative days [PODs] 3, 5, and 7) ultrasonographic findings were obtained and analyzed, including the SWE of the liver and spleen. Hepatic fibrosis, according to the METAVIR score at the time of Kasai portoenterostomy and native liver outcomes during postsurgical follow-up, were compared and correlated with imaging and laboratory findings. Poor outcomes were defined as intractable cholangitis or liver transplantation. The diagnostic performance of SWE in predicting METAVIR F3-F4 and poor hepatic outcomes was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses.

RESULTS

All patients were analyzed without exclusion. Perioperative advanced hepatic fibrosis (F3-F4) was associated with older age and higher preoperative direct bilirubin and SWE values in the liver and spleen. Preoperative liver SWE showed a ROC area of 0.806 and 63.6% (7/11) sensitivity and 86.4% (19/22) specificity at a cutoff of 17.5 kPa for diagnosing F3-F4. The poor outcome group included five patients with intractable cholangitis and three undergoing liver transplantation who showed high postoperative liver SWE values. Liver SWE on PODs 3-7 showed ROC areas of 0.783-0.891 for predicting poor outcomes, and a cutoff value of 10.3 kPa for SWE on POD 3 had 100% (8/8) sensitivity and 73.9% (17/23) specificity.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative liver SWE can predict advanced hepatic fibrosis, and immediate postoperative liver SWE can predict poor native liver outcomes in patients with biliary atresia.

[Diagnostic Imaging of Biliary Atresia]

Biliary atresia is a rare but significant cause of neonatal cholestasis. An early and accurate diagnosis is important for proper management and prognosis. To diagnose biliary atresia, various imaging studies using ultrasonography, MRI, hepatobiliary scans, and cholangiography can be performed, although ultrasonography is more important for initial imaging studies. In this article, we review the findings of biliary atresia from various imaging modalities, including ultrasonography, MRI, hepatobiliary scans, and cholangiography. The known key imaging features include abnormal gallbladder size and shape, periportal thickening visible as a 'triangular cord' sign, invisible common bile duct, increased hepatic arterial flow, and combined anomalies. Aside from the imaging findings of biliary atresia, we also reviewed the diagnostic difficulty in the early neonatal period and the role of imaging in predicting hepatic fibrosis. We hope that this review will aid in the diagnosis of biliary atresia.

['Triangular Cord' Sign in Biliary Atresia]

Biliary atresia is an unknown etiology of extrahepatic bile duct obstruction with a 'fibrous ductal remnant,' which represents the obliterated ductal remnant in the porta hepatis. The sonographic'triangular cord' (TC) sign has been reported to indicate a fibrous ductal remnant in the porta hepatis. In this review, we discuss the correlations among surgicopathological and sonographic findings of the porta hepatis and the definition, objective criteria, diagnostic accuracy, and differential diagnosis of the TC sign in biliary atresia.

Serum TGF-β1 and VEGF Levels Reflect the Liver Hardness and Function in Children with Biliary Atresia

Objective

This study further explored the wind direction correlation analysis between serum levels of TGF-β1 and VEGF and liver function assessment in children with biliary atresia.

Methods

A total of 62 children with biliary atresia (BA) who received surgical treatment in our hospital from October 2020 to October 2021 were selected as the research objects (BA group), and 50 normal healthy children who received routine physical examination in our hospital during the same period were selected as blank control group. Outcome measures included postoperative total bilirubin levels and conjugality of enrolled patients. Bilirubin level, unbound bilirubin level, serum transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGF-β1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), liver function indicators albumin (ALB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and other observation indicators were included. All data in this study were collected and analyzed by SPSS 23.0 software, and t-test was performed.

Results

The serum levels of TGF-β1, VEGF, ALT, AST, GGT, and liver hardness were significantly higher in children with jaundice than those without jaundice, and the serum ALB level was significantly lower than that in children without jaundice (P < 0.05). The levels of TGF-β1 and VEGF in BA group were positively correlated with the levels of ALT, AST, GGT, and liver hardness (P < 0.05) but negatively correlated with the level of ALB (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The levels of serum TGF-β1 and VEGF in children with biliary atresia have a certain risk correlation with liver function damage, which will become a research focus on the mechanism of liver fibrosis in the diagnosis and treatment of biliary atresia in children.