Evaluating patients' outcome post-Kasai operation: a 19-year experience with modification of the hepatic portoenterostomy and applying a novel steroid therapy regimen

Modified Kasai operation combined with autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell infusion for biliary atresia

AIM

To evaluate the safety and outcomes of modified Kasai operation combined with autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMNC) infusion for biliary atresia (BA).

METHODS

A matched control study was conducted between January 2015 and December 2021. Ten consecutive children with biliary atresia (BA) who underwent the modified Kasai operation combined with autologous BMMNC infusion (cell therapy group) and ten children who had only the modified Kasai operation (control group) were included in the study. The Kasai operation was performed with two modifications: partial exteriorization of the liver, and encirclement with lateral retraction of two hepatic pedicles to facilitate the removal of fibrotic tissue. Bone marrow was harvested through anterior iliac crest under general anesthesia then a modified Kasai operation was performed. After processing, bone marrow mononuclear cells were infused through the umbilical vein at the end of the operation. Serum bilirubin, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and prothrombin time were monitored at baseline, six months, twelve months, and the last follow-up (4.5 years) after the operation. In addition, esophagoscopy and liver biopsies were performed on patients whose parents agreed. Mixed-effects analysis was used to evaluate the changes in Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease (PELD) scores.

RESULTS

There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications related to the operation or cell infusion. The average infused BMMNC and CD34 + cell counts per kg bodyweight were 85.5 ± 56.0 × 106/kg and 10.0 ± 3.6 × 106 for the injection, respectively. Following the intervention, all ten patients in the cell therapy group survived, with a mean follow-up duration of 4.5 ± 0.9 years. Meanwhile, three patients in the control group died due to end-stage liver failure, with a mean follow-up time of 4.3 ± 0.9 years. Liver function of the cell therapy group was maintained or improved after the operation and cell infusion, as assessed by biochemical tests. The disease severity reduced markedly in the CT group compared to the control group, with a significant reduction in PELD scores (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Autologous BMMNC administration combined with Kasai operation for BA is safe and may maintain or improve liver function in the studied patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05517317 on August 26th, 2022.

A Comparison of Laparoscopic-Modified Kasai Versus Conventional Open Kasai for Biliary Atresia in Infants: A Single-Center Experience

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of our modified laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy for type III biliary atresia (BA) in children. Methods: A total of 56 type III BA patients underwent laparoscopic-modified Kasai procedure from January 2015 to July 2021. Conventionally control group of 45 BA patients from January 2012 to January 2016 were operated by open Kasai. The clinical data between the two groups were retrospectively compared. Results: The mean operating time was 235.5 ± 20.5 minutes (range, 210-275 minutes) in Group I, whereas 180.5 ± 25.5 minutes (range, 155-210 minutes) in Group II. The oral intake resumption was faster in Group I than that in Group II (mean 3.5 days versus 4.5 days). The follow-up time was mean 18.5 months in Group I and 24 months in Group II. The clearance of jaundice (total bilirubin <20 μmol/L) was significant different in Group I (78.6%) (44/56) versus that of Group II (74.3%) (33/45). The native liver survival rate was 71.4% (40/56) in Group I and was 66.7% (30/45) in Group II at the follow-up time, respectively. Conclusion: The laparoscopic-modified Kasai would improve the outcome of BA patients.

Cholangitis Definition and Treatment after Kasai Hepatoportoenterostomy for Biliary Atresia: A Delphi Process and International Expert Panel

(1) Background: Acute cholangitis during the first year after Kasai hepatoportoenterostomy (HPE) has a negative impact on patient and native liver survival. There are no consistent guidelines for the definition, treatment, and prophylaxis of cholangitis after HPE. The aim of this study was to develop definition, treatment, and prophylaxis guidelines to allow for expeditious management and for standardization in reporting. (2) Methods: the Delphi method, an extensive literature review, iterative rounds of surveys, and expert panel discussions were used to establish definition, treatment, and prophylaxis guidelines for cholangitis in the first year after HPE. (3) Results: Eight elements (pooled into two groups: clinical and laboratory/imaging) were identified to define cholangitis after HPE. The final proposed definitions for suspected and confirmed cholangitis are a combination of one element, respectively, two elements from each group; furthermore, the finding of a positive blood culture was added to the definition of confirmed cholangitis. The durations for prophylaxis and treatment of suspected and confirmed cholangitis were uniformly agreed upon by the experts. (4) Conclusions: for the first time, an international consensus was found for guidelines for definition, treatment, and prophylaxis for cholangitis during the first year after Kasai HPE. Applicability will need further prospective multicentered studies.

Analysis of Cholangitis Rates with Extended Perioperative Antibiotics and Adjuvant Corticosteroids in Biliary Atresia

PURPOSE

There is no consensus regarding adjuvant therapies following Kasai portoenterostomy (KP) for biliary atresia (BA). This study aimed to analyze the effect of extended perioperative intravenous antibiotics (PI-Abx) and adjuvant corticosteroid on cholangitis and jaundice clearance rates in the 3 years post-KP in children with BA.

METHODS

Data of patients who underwent KP between 1999-2018 at a single center were retrospectively analyzed. Group A (1999-2010) received PI-Abx for 5 days, Group B (2010-2012) received PI-Abx for 5 days plus low-dose prednisolone (2 mg/kg), and Group C (2012-2017) received PI-Abx for 14 days plus high-dose prednisolone (5 mg/kg).

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients were included with groups A, B, and C comprising 25, 9, and 20 patients, respectively. The number of episodes of cholangitis was 1.0, 1.6, and 1.3 per patient (p=NS) within the first year and 1.8, 2.3, and 1.7 (p=NS) over 3 years in Groups A, B, and C, respectively. The jaundice clearance rate at 6 months was 52%, 78%, and 50% (p=NS), and the 3-year native liver survival (NLS) rate was 76%, 100%, and 80% (p=NS) in Groups A, B, and C, respectively. A near-significant association was observed between the incidence of cholangitis within the first year and decompensated liver cirrhosis/death at 3 years post KP (p=0.09). Persistence of jaundice at 6 months was significantly associated with decompensated cirrhosis/death at 3 years (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The extended duration of PI-Abx and adjuvant corticosteroids was not associated with improved rates of cholangitis, jaundice clearance, or NLS in patients with BA.

Short- and long-term outcomes after Kasai operation for type III biliary atresia: Twenty years of experience in a single tertiary Egyptian center-A retrospective cohort study

Kasai portoenterostomy(KPE) is the treatment of choice for the fatal devastating infantile type III biliary atresia (BA). The study aimed to analyze short-and long-term outcomes after this procedure and their predictors in a tertiary center.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 410 infants who underwent KPE for type III BA in the period from February 2000 to December 2019. The overall male/female ratio was 186/224.

RESULTS

The early (>6months) complications involved 187(45.6%) of our infants with a higher incidence of early cholangitis that affected 108(26.3%) of them. The jaundice clearance at the 6th post-operative month that reached 138(33.7%) of them had an independent correlation with mild portal tracts ductal and/or ductular proliferation, using postoperative steroids therapy, and absence of early postoperative cholangitis. The early infant mortality that affected 70(17.1%) of our patients was mostly from sepsis. On the other hand, late (<6months) patients complications and mortalities affected 256(62.4%) and 240(58.5%) of patients respectively; moreover, liver failure and sepsis were the most frequent causes of late mortalities in non-transplanted and transplanted cases respectively. Lastly, the long-term (20-year) native liver survival (NLS) that reached 91(22.2%) of patients had an independent correlation with age at operation ≤ 90 days, higher preoperative mean serum alb, portal tract fibrosis grades F0 and F1, absence of intraoperative bleeding, absence of post-operative cholangitis, the occurrence of jaundice clearance at the 6th postoperative month and absence of post-operative portal hypertension (PHN).

CONCLUSIONS

Sepsis had a direct effect on early and late patient mortalities after Kasai operation for type III BA; moreover, patient age at operation<90 days, higher fibrosis grades, the occurrence of postoperative cholangitis and PHN, and persistence of post-operative jaundice had negative insult on long-term postoperative outcome. So, it is crucial to modulate these factors for a better outcome.

Short- and long-term outcomes after Kasai operation for type III biliary atresia: Twenty years of experience in a single tertiary Egyptian center-A retrospective cohort study

Kasai portoenterostomy(KPE) is the treatment of choice for the fatal devastating infantile type III biliary atresia (BA). The study aimed to analyze short-and long-term outcomes after this procedure and their predictors in a tertiary center.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 410 infants who underwent KPE for type III BA in the period from February 2000 to December 2019. The overall male/female ratio was 186/224.

RESULTS

The early (>6months) complications involved 187(45.6%) of our infants with a higher incidence of early cholangitis that affected 108(26.3%) of them. The jaundice clearance at the 6th post-operative month that reached 138(33.7%) of them had an independent correlation with mild portal tracts ductal and/or ductular proliferation, using postoperative steroids therapy, and absence of early postoperative cholangitis. The early infant mortality that affected 70(17.1%) of our patients was mostly from sepsis. On the other hand, late (<6months) patients complications and mortalities affected 256(62.4%) and 240(58.5%) of patients respectively; moreover, liver failure and sepsis were the most frequent causes of late mortalities in non-transplanted and transplanted cases respectively. Lastly, the long-term (20-year) native liver survival (NLS) that reached 91(22.2%) of patients had an independent correlation with age at operation ≤ 90 days, higher preoperative mean serum alb, portal tract fibrosis grades F0 and F1, absence of intraoperative bleeding, absence of post-operative cholangitis, the occurrence of jaundice clearance at the 6th postoperative month and absence of post-operative portal hypertension (PHN).

CONCLUSIONS

Sepsis had a direct effect on early and late patient mortalities after Kasai operation for type III BA; moreover, patient age at operation<90 days, higher fibrosis grades, the occurrence of postoperative cholangitis and PHN, and persistence of post-operative jaundice had negative insult on long-term postoperative outcome. So, it is crucial to modulate these factors for a better outcome.

[Biliary tract surgery in childhood]

In contrast to gallstones, which are increasingly diagnosed in children and adolescents, congenital or perinatally acquired malformations of the biliary tree are rare entities. The surgical treatment of these diseases frequently represents a technical challenge. For children with biliary atresia Kasai portoenterostomy is a therapeutic option in the first weeks of life. Most affected children, however, require a liver transplantation before they enter adulthood. Segmental dilatations of the bile duct carry the risk of ascending infections and malignant transformation. This requires early resection of the biliary tree and reconstruction with a bilioenteric anastomosis. While laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the standard approach also for children, the value of minimally invasive procedures for more complex surgical procedures of the biliary tract has not yet been defined.

Efficacy of and prognosis after steroid pulse therapy in patients with poor reduction of jaundice after laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy

PURPOSE

High-dose postoperative steroid therapy after Kasai portoenterostomy is reported to improve jaundice clearance and a strong anti-inflammatory activity might prevent fibrous tissue formation which is often observed at the porta hepatis in revision surgery. We started steroid pulse therapy for the patients with cessation of decrease in jaundice and aimed to evaluate the efficacy in this study.

METHODS

The demographics and outcomes of patients who underwent laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy and received steroid pulse therapy within 2 months postoperatively between September 2014 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed; the therapy was determined successful when the serum total bilirubin level decreased to or below two-thirds of the pre-therapy level after 2 weeks. Patient data in the successful group were compared with those in the unsuccessful group.

RESULTS

Steroid pulse therapy was successful in seven of 16 patients (43.8%). The percentage of patients whose serum total bilirubin level decreased to normal was significantly higher in the successful group at 3 months (85.7% vs. 11.1%, P = 0.0028) and after all (100% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

Steroid pulse therapy was effective for some patients. Unsuccessful cases may have little chances of jaundice clearance; revision Kasai portoenterostomy would be a good option.

Number of cholangitis episodes as a prognostic marker to predict timing of liver transplantation in biliary atresia patients after Kasai portoenterostomy

BACKGROUND

Cholangitis may affect liver failure of biliary atresia (BA) patients after Kasai portoenterostomy (KP). We examined whether the number of cholangitis episodes could be a prognostic marker for liver transplant (LT) in children with BA after Kasai portoenterostomy (KP).

METHODS

Data for BA patients born after 1998 and undergoing KP were obtained from National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), Taiwan. Patients were followed up until the end of 2011. Incidence and the number of cholangitis episodes were recorded and compared between patients based on LT status.

RESULTS

Ninety-six (26.8%) of the 366 BA patients underwent LT. More patients who underwent KP at < 60 days of age survived with their native liver (P = 0.007). The mean age at first cholangitis was 0.9 years and 0.8 years in the LT and non-LT groups, respectively (P = 0.868). The cumulative incidence of cholangitis within 2 years after KP did not differ between the groups (hazard ratio 1.2; 95% CI 0.9-1.6). However, the total number of cholangitis episodes was higher in the LT group within 2 years after KP (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Cholangitis occurrence was not related to LT in the first 2 years after KP in BA patients, but the number of cholangitis episodes could be a prognostic marker for future LT.

Surgical modifications, additions, and alternatives to Kasai hepato-portoenterostomy to improve the outcome in biliary atresia

Kasai hepato-portoenterostomy (HPE) is the most widely used surgical technique to restore bile flow in biliary atresia (BA). We aimed to review literature on HPE substitutes and additions to Kasai especially in advanced BA (ABA). A PubMed search was done for surgical procedures apart from or along with Kasai HPE for BA. Additional procedures to prevent cholangitis were also reviewed. Procedures and outcome were analysed. Alternative procedures done by the authors have also been described briefly. Results have been compiled in this review article. In ABA, with portal hypertension and liver cirrhosis, Kasai HPE is associated with poor outcome, increased morbidity, and even mortality. Most require liver transplant (LT). Some alternatives to HPE include exploration at porta hepatis to assess the bile flow yet avoid the major surgery (HPE) as a bridge to LT. Conduit diversion may help to combat cholangitis resistant to steroid therapy. Stoma formation is not preferred in cases listed for LT due to high risk of bleeding. Hepatocyte infusion, stem cell therapy, and synthetic liver are the future options to meet the challenges in BA. Various alternative procedures may become handy in the future especially in ABA.

The extended Kasai portoenterostomy for biliary atresia: A preliminary report

AIMS

In 1955, Professor Morio Kasai first performed a hepatic portoenterostomy. Since then, the procedure has changed the lives of children with biliary atresia (BA). We report our initial experience in performing "extended" Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE), a modification of the original procedure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Since 2013, we have used the technique of "extended KPE" and prospectively recorded data on all children undergoing this operation. Data on demographics, clinical features, liver function tests, and perioperative cholangiogram findings were collected. Outcome of KPE was measured by Jaundice Disappearance Rate (JDR) and Native Liver Survival Rate (NLSR). We present our preliminary results from a 30-month period (February 2013 to May 2015).

RESULTS

Thirty-one children underwent KPE during this period (19 males) and only 1 child had biliary atresia splenic malformation (BASM). The mean age at KPE was 73 ± 24 days. Five (16.1%) children were more than 90 days old at the time of KPE. Fourteen children cleared jaundice (JDR 45.2%). Eleven (35.5%) children developed episodes of cholangitis, of whom 8 had early cholangitis (within 3 months of the operation). The proportion of children who survived with their own liver 6 months after KPE (NLSR) was 84.2%. Of those children older than 90 days, 2 cleared jaundice and have survived with their native livers for more than 16 months.

CONCLUSION

In our preliminary report of 31 children, we conclude that the extended KPE leads to increased jaundice clearance and improved NLSR in children with BA.

A new clarification method to visualize biliary degeneration during liver metamorphosis in Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus)

Biliary atresia is a rare disease of infancy, with an estimated 1 in 15,000 frequency in the southeast United States, but more common in East Asian countries, with a reported frequency of 1 in 5,000 in Taiwan. Although much is known about the management of biliary atresia, its pathogenesis is still elusive. The sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) provides a unique opportunity to examine the mechanism and progression of biliary degeneration. Sea lamprey develop through three distinct life stages: larval, parasitic, and adult. During the transition from larvae to parasitic juvenile, sea lamprey undergo metamorphosis with dramatic reorganization and remodeling in external morphology and internal organs. In the liver, the entire biliary system is lost, including the gall bladder and the biliary tree. A newly-developed method called "CLARITY" was modified to clarify the entire liver and the junction with the intestine in metamorphic sea lamprey. The process of biliary degeneration was visualized and discerned during sea lamprey metamorphosis by using laser scanning confocal microscopy. This method provides a powerful tool to study biliary atresia in a unique animal model.

A novel rat model simulating biliary atresia after a Kasai operation

PURPOSE

The mechanisms of liver fibrosis in biliary atresia (BA) after a Kasai operation deserve studying to improve the clinical outcomes. This study aimed to create a rat model simulating BA after a Kasai operation.

METHODS

We inserted a polyethylene tube (PE10) into the common hepatic duct (CHD) and ligated the common bile duct (CBD) in 30 newborn rats and injected 95% ethanol into IHD at postoperative week-one (POW-1). The PE10 was removed at POW-3. The rats were sacrificed at POW-5. The CBD cystojejunostomy was performed on another 10 rats at POW-5.

RESULTS

The IHD obliteration and CBD dilatation were noted at POW-3 cholangiography before removal of the PE tube. The gross findings at sacrifice in the rats without cystojejunostomy included biliary fibrosis, CBD cyst, and IHD obliteration. The microscopic findings of the liver were like BA. Seven of the 10 rats with CBD cystojejunostomy were jaundice-free at POW-8. The fibrosis grade at POW-8 of the rats with CBD cystojejunostomy was significantly lower in the jaundice-free rats (Ishak fibrosis score, 3.4 ± 0.9 and 1.5 ± 0.3 in the jaundiced rats and jaundice-free rats, respectively, p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Based on our study, CBD cystojejunostomy five weeks after CBD ligation with ethanol injection into the IHD in newborn rats can provide a model for investigating mechanisms and treatments of liver fibrosis in BA after a Kasai operation.

Steroids in biliary atresia: single surgeon, single centre, prospective study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The effect of adjuvant steroids in infants with biliary atresia (BA) is not clear and evidence of benefit is lacking.

METHODS

During the period Jan. 2000-Dec. 2011, 153 infants with isolated (CMV IgM-ve) BA underwent Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) at<70 days. They were divided into three groups: LOW-dose steroid (from a previous randomized trial; starting prednisolone 2mg/kg/day, n=18), HIGH-dose steroid (starting prednisolone 5mg/kg/day, n=44), and NO steroid [n=72+19 placebo (from randomized trial)=91]. Outcome was assessed by early liver biochemistry, clearance of jaundice (<20 μmol/L), and actuarial native liver survival. Data are quoted as median (IQ range) and compared with non-parametric ANOVA, Chi or Log-rank tests as appropriate. p ≤ 0.05 was regarded as significant.

RESULTS

All three groups were comparable for age (ANOVA, p=0.31) and a surrogate marker of liver fibrosis [aspartate-aminotransferase index (APRi), ANOVA, p=0.67]. At 1 month post KPE, there was a significant reduction in bilirubin [58 (25-91) vs. 91 (52-145)μmol/L, p=0.0015], AST [118 (91-159) vs. 155 (108-193)IU/L, p=0.0015], and APRi [0.49 (0.28-0.89) vs. 0.82 (0.45-1.2), p=0.005] for HIGH vs. NO steroid. There was a significant increase in % clearance of jaundice with the use of steroids [47/91 (52%) vs. 12/18 (67%) vs. 29/44 (66%); steroids vs. no steroids, p=0.037]. There was no statistical difference in 4-year patient survival (96% vs. 94% vs. 95%) or native liver survival (4 year=46% vs. 50 vs. 57%).

CONCLUSIONS

The adjuvant use of prednisolone significantly improved early post-operative liver biochemistry (especially at the higher dose), and increased the proportion of infants who cleared their jaundice at 6 months post-KPE.

Biliary atresia: 50 years after the first kasai

Biliary atresia is a rare neonatal disease of unknown etiology, where obstruction of the biliary tree causes severe cholestasis, leading to biliary cirrhosis and death in the first years of life, if the condition is left untreated. Biliary atresia is the most frequent surgical cause of cholestatic jaundice in neonates and should be evoked whenever this clinical sign is associated with pale stools and hepatomegaly. The treatment of biliary atresia is surgical and currently recommended as a sequence of, eventually, two interventions. During the first months of life a hepatoportoenterostomy (a "Kasai," modifications of which are discussed in this paper) should be performed, in order to restore the biliary flow to the intestine and lessen further damage to the liver. If this fails and/or the disease progresses towards biliary cirrhosis and life-threatening complications, then liver transplantation is indicated, for which biliary atresia represents the most frequent pediatric indication. Of importance, the earlier the Kasai is performed, the later a liver transplantation is usually needed. This warrants a great degree of awareness of biliary atresia, and the implementation of systematic screening for this life-threatening pathology.

Effects of the administration of pentoxifylline and prednisolone on the evolution of portal fibrogenesis secondary to biliary obstruction in growing animals: immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of TGF-β and VEGF

OBJECTIVE

During the neonatal and infancy periods, some chronic liver diseases may lead to progressive hepatic fibrosis, which is a condition that can ultimately result in the loss of organ function and severe portal hypertension necessitating hepatic transplantation. In a previous report, pharmacological interventions were demonstrated to modulate hepatic fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation in young rats. The administration of pentoxifylline or prednisolone, or the combination of both, resulted in reduced fibrogenesis in portal spaces. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the expression of transforming growth factor β and vascular endothelial growth factor after bile duct ligation in young rats and to assess the effect of those same drugs on cytokine expression.

METHODS

In this experimental study, 80 young rats (21 or 22 days old) were submitted either to laparotomy and common bile duct ligation or to sham surgery. The animals were allocated into four groups according to surgical procedure, and the following treatments were administered: (1) common bile duct ligation + distilled water, (2) sham surgery + distilled water, (3) common bile duct ligation + pentoxifylline, or (4) common bile duct ligation + prednisolone. After 30 days, a hepatic fragment was collected from each animal for immunohistochemical analysis using monoclonal antibodies against transforming growth factor β and vascular endothelial growth factor. Digital morphometric and statistical analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The administration of pentoxifylline reduced the transforming growth factor β-marked area and the amount of transforming growth factor β expressed in liver tissue. This effect was not observed after the administration of prednisolone. There was a significant reduction in vascular endothelial growth factor expression after the administration of either drug compared with the non-treatment group.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of pentoxifylline to cholestatic young rats resulted in the diminished expression of transforming growth factor β and vascular endothelial growth factor in liver tissue. The administration of steroids resulted in the diminished expression of vascular endothelial growth factor only. These pathways may be involved in hepatic fibrogenesis in young rats submitted to bile duct ligation and exposed to pentoxifylline or prednisolone.