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Lacaille F, Nicastro E, Czubkowski P, Gonçalves CC, Le Thi TG, Koletzko S. Awareness, referral and age at Kasai surgery for biliary atresia in Europe: A survey of the Quality-of-Care Task Force of ESPGHAN. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2024; 78:1374-1382. [PMID: 38497334 DOI: 10.1002/jpn3.12186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify infants with biliary atresia (BA), European Society of Paediatric Gastroenteroloy and Nutrition (ESPGHAN)/North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenteroloy and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) guidelines recommend measurement of conjugated/direct bilirubin in infants with prolonged jaundice and using a stool colour card (SCC). The 'Quality of Care' Task Force of ESPGHAN performed two surveys to assess current case finding for BA and age at Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE). METHODS The first survey approached 26 European hepatology centres to report age at referral and age at KPE of all infants diagnosed with BA from 2015 to 2019. The second survey targeted paediatricians in France to assess awareness and compliance with the recently introduced SCC. RESULTS Data from 785 patients with BA from 18 centres in 15 countries revealed a mean age at referral to tertiary centre of 55 days (median 53, IQR 48-60) (n = 636). The mean age at KPE was 61 days (median 60; IQR 54-67) (n = 772). For 6% of patients, cirrhosis was too advanced for surgery. Of 392 paediatricians answering the second survey, 53% felt familiar with the target diseases, 80% correctly identified cholestasis and 59% always inquired about the infant's stool colour. If abnormal, 93% would order blood tests and 85% call for advice. The SCC screening was considered helpful for case finding and improving knowledge of cholestatic diseases by 62% and 45% paediatricians, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Referral of infants for KPE remains late, indicating low adherence to search for cholestasis in icteric infants by age 2-3 weeks. Knowledge and structures need improvement to allow earlier guideline conform case finding, diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Lacaille
- Gastroenterology-Nutrition and Hepatology Units, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Emanuele Nicastro
- Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Transplantation Unit, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Piotr Czubkowski
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nutrition Disturbances and Pediatrics, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Cristina Campos Gonçalves
- Paediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Paediatric Hospital Dona Estefânia, Centro hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Thu Giang Le Thi
- Department of Paediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sibylle Koletzko
- Department of Paediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, School of Medicine Collegium Medicum University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
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Bonn J, Gamm K, Ambrosino T, Orkin SH, Taylor A, Peters AL. Distinct effects of racial and socioeconomic disparities on biliary atresia diagnosis and outcome. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2024; 78:1038-1046. [PMID: 38567627 DOI: 10.1002/jpn3.12197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify and distinguish between racial and socioeconomic disparities in age at hepatology care, diagnosis, access to surgical therapy, and liver transplant-free survival in patients with biliary atresia (BA). METHODS Single-center retrospective cohort study of 69 BA patients from 2010 to 2021. Patients were grouped into White and non-White cohorts. The socioeconomic milieu was analyzed utilizing neighborhood deprivation index, a census tract-based calculation of six socioeconomic variables. The primary outcomes of this study were timing of the first hepatology encounter, surgical treatment with hepatic portoenterostomy (HPE), and survival with native liver (SNL) at 2 years. RESULTS Patients were 55% male and 72% White. White patients were referred at a median of 34 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 17-65) vs. 67 days (IQR: 42-133; p = 0.001) in non-White patients. White infants were more likely to undergo HPE (42/50 patients; 84%) compared to non-White (10/19; 53%), odds ratio (OR) 4.73 (95% confidence interval: 1.46-15.31; p = 0.01). Independent of race, patients exposed to increased neighborhood-level deprivation were less likely to receive HPE (OR: 0.49, p = 0.04) and achieve SNL (OR: 0.54, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Racial and socioeconomic disparities are independently associated with timely BA diagnosis, access to surgical treatment, and transplant-free survival. Public health approaches to improve screening for pathologic jaundice in infants of diverse racial backgrounds and to test and implement interventions for socioeconomically at-risk families are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Bonn
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Kristen Gamm
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Teresa Ambrosino
- Department of Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Sarah H Orkin
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Amy Taylor
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Anna L Peters
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Kotb MA, Ieiri S, Shehata SM. Editorial: Elimination of biliary atresia. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1202727. [PMID: 37284287 PMCID: PMC10241068 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1202727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Magd Ahmed Kotb
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Satoshi Ieiri
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Research Field in Medical and Health Sciences, Medical and Dental Area, Research and Education Assembly, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
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Pillai A, Albersheim S, Niknafs N, Maugo B, Rasmussen B, Lam M, Grewal G, Albert A, Elango R. Human Milk Calorie Guide: A Novel Color-Based Tool to Estimate the Calorie Content of Human Milk for Preterm Infants. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15081866. [PMID: 37111084 PMCID: PMC10146985 DOI: 10.3390/nu15081866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Fixed-dose fortification of human milk (HM) is insufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of preterm infants. Commercial human milk analyzers (HMA) to individually fortify HM are unavailable in most centers. We describe the development and validation of a bedside color-based tool called the 'human milk calorie guide'(HMCG) for differentiating low-calorie HM using commercial HMA as the gold standard. Mothers of preterm babies (birth weight ≤ 1500 g or gestation ≤ 34 weeks) were enrolled. The final color tool had nine color shades arranged as three rows of three shades each (rows A, B, and C). We hypothesized that calorie values for HM samples would increase with increasing 'yellowness' predictably from row A to C. One hundred thirty-one mother's own milk (MOM) and 136 donor human milk (DHM) samples (total n = 267) were color matched and analyzed for macronutrients. The HMCG tool performed best in DHM samples for predicting lower calories (<55 kcal/dL) (AUC 0.87 for category A DHM) with modest accuracy for >70 kcal/dL (AUC 0.77 for category C DHM). For MOM, its diagnostic performance was poor. The tool showed good inter-rater reliability (Krippendorff's alpha = 0.80). The HMCG was reliable in predicting lower calorie ranges for DHM and has the potential for improving donor HM fortification practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anish Pillai
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, British Columbia Women's Hospital and Health Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
- Department of Neonatology, Surya Hospitals, Mumbai 400054, India
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Susan Albersheim
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, British Columbia Women's Hospital and Health Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Nikoo Niknafs
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, British Columbia Women's Hospital and Health Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Brian Maugo
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, British Columbia Women's Hospital and Health Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
| | - Betina Rasmussen
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Mei Lam
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, British Columbia Women's Hospital and Health Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Gurpreet Grewal
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, British Columbia Women's Hospital and Health Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Arianne Albert
- Women's Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women's Hospital and Health Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Rajavel Elango
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, British Columbia Women's Hospital and Health Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3V4, Canada
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Arshad A, Gardiner J, Ho C, Rees P, Chadda K, Baker A, Sutcliffe AG. Population-based screening methods in biliary atresia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Dis Child 2023; 108:468-473. [PMID: 36797045 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2022-324946] [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] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate tested methods of population-based biliary atresia (BA) screening. DESIGN We searched 11 databases between 1 January 1975 and 12 September 2022. Data extraction was independently done by two investigators. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Our primary outcomes were: sensitivity and specificity of screening method in BA detection, age at Kasai, BA associated morbidity and mortality, cost-effectiveness of screening. RESULTS Six methods of BA screening were evaluated: stool colour charts (SCCs), conjugated bilirubin measurements, stool colour saturations (SCSs), measurements of urinary sulfated bile acids (USBAs), assessments of blood spot bile acids and blood carnitine measurements.In a meta-analysis, USBA was the most sensitive and specific, with a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 100.0% (95% CI 2.5% to 100.0%) and 99.5% (95% CI 98.9% to 99.8%) (based on one study). This was followed by conjugated bilirubin measurements: 100.0% (95% CI 0.0% to 100.0%) and 99.3% (95% CI 91.9% to 99.9%), SCS: 100.0% (95% CI 0.00% to 100.0%) and 92.4% (95% CI 83.4% to 96.7%), and SCC: 87.9% (95% CI 80.4% to 92.8%) and 99.9% (95% CI 99.9% to 99.9%).SCC reduced the age of Kasai to ~60 days, compared with 36 days for conjugated bilirubin. Both SCC and conjugated bilirubin improved overall and transplant-free survival. The use of SCC was considerably more cost-effective than conjugated bilirubin measurements. CONCLUSION Conjugated bilirubin measurements and SCC are the most researched and demonstrate improved sensitivity and specificity in detecting BA. However, their use is expensive. Further research into conjugated bilirubin measurements, as well as alternative methods of population-based BA screening, is required. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021235133.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Arshad
- Population, Policy & Practice Department, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Julian Gardiner
- Population, Policy & Practice Department, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Carmen Ho
- Population, Policy & Practice Department, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Philippa Rees
- Population, Policy & Practice Department, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Karan Chadda
- Population, Policy & Practice Department, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Alastair Baker
- Department of Paediatric Hepatology, Kings College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Alastair G Sutcliffe
- Population, Policy & Practice Department, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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Hoshino E, Moriwaki K, Morimoto K, Sakai K, Shimohata N, Konomura K, Urayama KY, Suzuki M, Shimozuma K. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Universal Screening for Biliary Atresia in Japan. J Pediatr 2023; 253:101-106.e2. [PMID: 36179888 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of universal newborn screening using stool color card or direct bilirubin (DB) testing when comparing with no screening for biliary atresia in Japanese setting. STUDY DESIGN A decision analytic Markov microsimulation model was developed to evaluate the universal screening for biliary atresia. Our screening strategies included stool color card, DB, or no screening. The outcomes of all newborns undergoing 3 strategies were simulated to analyze event-free life-years defined as liver transplant-free survival, costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) over a 25-year period with an annual discount rate of 2% applied for both costs and outcomes. A 1-way sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the uncertainty. RESULTS There were 941 000 newborn infants in our cohort and 114 cases of biliary atresia. The base case analysis showed that the stool color card strategy was $14 927 337 higher than no screening with an increase in 44 more event-free life-years gained, resulting in an ICER of $339 258 per event-free life-year gained. The DB screening strategy compared with stool color card was $138 994 060 higher with an increase in 271 more event-free life-years gained and an ICER of $512 893 per event-free life-year gained. The DB screening strategy compared with no screening resulted in an ICER of $488 639 per event-free life-year gained. The DB screening resulted in 16 fewer liver transplants than stool color card and stool color card had 2 fewer liver transplants than no screening. CONCLUSIONS Universal screening for biliary atresia could be cost-effective depending on the willingness to pay thresholds for health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eri Hoshino
- Comprehensive Unit for Health Economic Evidence Review and Decision Support (CHEERS), Research Organization of Science and Technology, Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, Japan; Graduate School of Public Health, St. Luke's International University, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Kensuke Moriwaki
- Comprehensive Unit for Health Economic Evidence Review and Decision Support (CHEERS), Research Organization of Science and Technology, Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Kotomi Sakai
- Comprehensive Unit for Health Economic Evidence Review and Decision Support (CHEERS), Research Organization of Science and Technology, Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Shimohata
- Comprehensive Unit for Health Economic Evidence Review and Decision Support (CHEERS), Research Organization of Science and Technology, Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Keiko Konomura
- Center for Outcomes Research and Economic Evaluation for Health (C2H), National Institute of Public Health, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kevin Y Urayama
- Graduate School of Public Health, St. Luke's International University, Kyoto, Japan; Department of Social Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mitsuyoshi Suzuki
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kojiro Shimozuma
- Comprehensive Unit for Health Economic Evidence Review and Decision Support (CHEERS), Research Organization of Science and Technology, Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, Japan
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Jeon TY. [Overview of Biliary Atresia]. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF RADIOLOGY 2022; 83:979-990. [PMID: 36276222 PMCID: PMC9574279 DOI: 10.3348/jksr.2022.0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Biliary atresia is a progressive, idiopathic, obliterative disease of the extrahepatic biliary tree that presents with biliary obstruction in the neonatal period. It is the most common indication for liver transplantation in children. If untreated, progressive liver cirrhosis leads to death by two years of age. Nowadays, more than 90% of biliary atresia patients survive into adulthood with the development of Kasai portoenterostomy and liver transplantation technology. Early diagnosis is critical since the success rate of the Kasai portoenterostomy decreases with time. This study comprehensively reviews the recent advances in the etiology, classification, prevalence, clinical manifestations, treatment, and prognosis of biliary atresia.
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Jagadisan B, Dhawan A. Emergencies in paediatric hepatology. J Hepatol 2022; 76:1199-1214. [PMID: 34990749 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The aetiology of several liver diseases in children is age specific and many of these conditions have significant and potentially long-term clinical repercussions if not diagnosed early and managed in a timely fashion. We address 5 clinical scenarios that cover most of the diagnostic and therapeutic emergencies in children: infants with liver disease; acute liver failure; management of bleeding varices; liver-based metabolic disorders; and liver tumours and trauma. A wide spectrum of conditions that cause liver disease in infants may present as conjugated jaundice, which could be the only symptom of time-sensitive disorders - such as biliary atresia, metabolic disorders, infections, and haematological/alloimmune disorders - wherein algorithmic multistage testing is required for accurate diagnosis. In infantile cholestasis, algorithmic multistage tests are necessary for an accurate early diagnosis, while vitamin K, specific milk formulae and disease-specific medications are essential to avoid mortality and long-term morbidity. Management of paediatric acute liver failure requires co-ordination with a liver transplant centre, safe transport and detailed age-specific aetiological work-up - clinical stabilisation with appropriate supportive care is central to survival if transplantation is indicated. Gastrointestinal bleeding may present as the initial manifestation or during follow-up in patients with portal vein thrombosis or chronic liver disease and can be managed pharmacologically, or with endoscopic/radiological interventions. Liver-based inborn errors of metabolism may present as encephalopathy that needs to be recognised and treated early to avoid further neurological sequelae and death. Liver tumours and liver trauma are both rare occurrences in children and are best managed by a multidisciplinary team in a specialist centre.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barath Jagadisan
- Pediatric Liver GI and Nutrition Centre and MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Anil Dhawan
- Pediatric Liver GI and Nutrition Centre and MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK.
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Hayashi K, Hoshino E, Suzuki M, Sakai K, Obatake M, Takahashi O. Early identification of biliary atresia using subspace and the bootstrap methods. ADV DATA ANAL CLASSI 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11634-022-00493-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Direct health care cost of treatment and medication of biliary atresia patients using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups. Pediatr Surg Int 2022; 38:547-554. [PMID: 35165784 PMCID: PMC8913443 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-022-05079-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of biliary atresia (BA), which typically requires an initial surgical intervention called the Kasai procedure (KP) and possible liver transplant (LT) afterwards, is quite resource-intensive and would affect patients and families for a lifetime; yet a comprehensive view of the economic burden has not been reported. We estimated direct health care costs from the public payer perspective using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan. METHODS Children newly diagnosed at ages 0 days to 4 years between April 2010 and September 2019 were identified. Costs of treatment were estimated for six phases of care: prediagnosis, KP and inpatient hospitalization, follow-up after KP, pre-transplant checkup, LT and inpatient hospitalization, and follow-up after LT. RESULTS Mean total prediagnosis medical cost was $6847 (USD) and KP and inpatient hospitalization was $42,157 per year. Follow-up after KP was $15,499, and pre-transplant checkup after KP was $36,015 per year. Mean cost for LT and inpatient hospitalization was $105,334, and follow-up after liver transplant was $25,459 per year. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of BA requires extensive medical resource consumption. The use of the comprehensive national database allowed us to estimate the costs which will be useful for health service planning and cost-effectiveness analysis.
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Schreiber RA, Harpavat S, Hulscher JBF, Wildhaber BE. Biliary Atresia in 2021: Epidemiology, Screening and Public Policy. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11040999. [PMID: 35207269 PMCID: PMC8876662 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11040999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare newborn liver disease with significant morbidity and mortality, especially if not recognized and treated early in life. It is the most common cause of liver-related death in children and the leading indication for liver transplantation in the pediatric population. Timely intervention with a Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) can significantly improve prognosis. Delayed disease recognition, late patient referral, and untimely surgery remains a worldwide problem. This article will focus on biliary atresia from a global public health perspective, including disease epidemiology, current national screening programs, and their impact on outcome, as well as new and novel BA screening initiatives. Policy challenges for the implementation of BA screening programs will also be discussed, highlighting examples from the North American, European, and Asian experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. Schreiber
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-604-875-2332 (ext. 1); Fax: +1-604-875-3244
| | - Sanjiv Harpavat
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Jan B. F. Hulscher
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Barbara E. Wildhaber
- Swiss Pediatric Liver Center, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology, and Obstetrics, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland;
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Biliary Atresia Screening in India-Strategies and Challenges in Implementation. Indian J Pediatr 2022; 89:133-140. [PMID: 34453683 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-021-03862-x] [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] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the utilization of SCC implemented in southern India and the effect on SCC utilization of face-to-face verbal education versus video-based content delivery. METHODS The study included newborns with postnatal age of less than 2 wk at discharge. Mothers were administered SCCs and provided standardized verbal or video health education based on the time-period of enrollment. Home based monitoring of stool color and return of SCC on postnatal day 21 was advised. Telephone surveys were conducted to identify SCC use among families that did not return the SCC by post. RESULTS Of the 2254 newborns enrolled, 1130 were in the verbal-counseling group and 1124 in the video-counseling group. No newborns with pale stools and biliary atresia were identified. SCC return rates were 3.8% and 2.8%. Comparing the verbal and video-counseling groups, there were no differences in the conservative (81.8% vs. 81.5%) and optimistic estimates (97.1% vs. 97.3%) of SCC utilization rates. Mothers with better educational status had higher optimistic estimates of SCC utilization. CONCLUSIONS The use of a validated SCC in Tamil with standardized information delivery leads to good utilization rates in southern India, with video content delivery being as effective as face-to-face verbal content delivery. SCC return by post is not a feasible mode of identification of card use. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study is registered under Clinical Trials Registry - India (CTRI/2018/01/011285).
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Gut Microbiota Composition of Biliary Atresia Patients Before Kasai Portoenterostomy Associates With Long-term Outcome. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2021; 73:485-490. [PMID: 34269330 PMCID: PMC8448407 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000003234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Biliary atresia (BA) is a cholestatic, fibro-obliterative cholangiopathy of unknown etiology. BA is primarily treated by a surgical approach, that is, the Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE), to obtain clearance of jaundice (COJ). The gut microbiota (GM) composition has been associated with the course of several cholestatic liver diseases. It is largely unknown, however, whether GM composition associates with the outcome of KPE. We compared the GM composition of BA patients and controls and assessed if GM composition before KPE was related to COJ after KPE. METHODS We compared feces of term-born BA patients before KPE and controls (patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair) by 16S rRNA sequencing. Composition and alpha diversity of the GM were compared between BA and controls before KPE and after KPE, between patients with COJ versus without COJ (total serum bilirubin < or ≥20 μmol/L <6 months post-KPE). RESULTS Alpha diversity was comparable between BA (n = 12, age 1.6 [1.3-1.8] months) and controls (n = 6, age 2.0 [1.4-2.1] months; P = 0.22). Compared with controls, BA patients had lower abundances of Bifidobacteriaceae (β = -1.98, P < 0.001) and Lachnospiraceae (β = -1.84, P = 0.007), and higher abundances of Streptococcus (β = -1.13, P = 0.003). The alpha diversity before KPE correlated negatively with COJ (R = -0.63, P = 0.03). Lower alpha diversity pre-KPE was associated with COJ [+] (βlogit = -0.64, P = 0.04). We observed greater abundances of genus Acinetobacter (β = 1.27, P = 0.03) and family Clostridiaceae (β = 1.45, P = 0.03) and lower abundances of the family Enterobacteriaceae (genera Klebsiella (β = -1.21, P = 0.01), Salmonella (β = -1.57, P = 0.02)) in COJ [+] versus COJ [-]. CONCLUSIONS The GM of BA patients before Kasai portoenterostomy associates with outcome, clearance of jaundice, suggestive of predictive, and mechanistic roles of the gut microbiota composition in bile homeostasis.
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Khayat A, Alamri AM, Saadah OI. Outcomes of late Kasai portoenterostomy in biliary atresia: a single-center experience. J Int Med Res 2021; 49:3000605211012596. [PMID: 33947263 PMCID: PMC8113946 DOI: 10.1177/03000605211012596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the clinical, histopathologic, and outcomes data for a cohort of patients with biliary atresia (BA), and to identify the factors affecting survival. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of all BA patients diagnosed between 1999 and 2017. Clinical, biochemical, imaging, and histopathologic data were analyzed, and Kaplan-Meier survival rates were compared to identify potential prognostic factors. RESULTS We evaluated 23 patients. The median age at the Kasai procedure was 77 ± 34 days, and the median overall survival was 12.5 ± 65 months. Thirteen (56%) patients survived with their native livers, 3 (13%) received a transplant, and 6 died (26%) while awaiting a transplant. Cholangitis and the use of ursodeoxycholic acid were associated with longer survival, while impaired synthetic function was associated with shorter survival. CONCLUSIONS Most patients presented late for the Kasai procedure. The survival rate with the native liver was comparable to other cohorts. Therefore, clinicians are encouraged to refer for the Kasai procedure even with late presentation (between 60 and 90 days), provided there is no hepatic decompensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Khayat
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.,Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aisha M Alamri
- Department of Pediatrics, East Jeddah General Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar I Saadah
- Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Fernando M, Rajindrajith S. Neonatal and infantile cholestasis: An overlooked health burden with unmet needs. Indian J Gastroenterol 2020; 39:531-538. [PMID: 33475928 DOI: 10.1007/s12664-020-01137-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Meranthi Fernando
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Talagolla Road, Ragama, 11010, Sri Lanka.
| | - Shaman Rajindrajith
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Kynsey Road, Colombo 8, Colombo, 00800, Sri Lanka
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Cacciatore P, Visser LA, Buyukkaramikli N, van der Ploeg CPB, van den Akker-van Marle ME. The Methodological Quality and Challenges in Conducting Economic Evaluations of Newborn Screening: A Scoping Review. Int J Neonatal Screen 2020; 6:ijns6040094. [PMID: 33238605 PMCID: PMC7712813 DOI: 10.3390/ijns6040094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cost-effectiveness (CEA) and cost-utility analyses (CUA) have become popular types of economic evaluations (EE) used for evidence-based decision-making in healthcare resource allocation. Newborn screening programs (NBS) can have significant clinical benefits for society, and cost-effectiveness analysis may help to select the optimal strategy among different screening programs, including the no-screening option, on different conditions. These economic analyses of NBS, however, are hindered by several methodological challenges. This study explored the methodological quality in recent NBS economic evaluations and analyzed the main challenges and strategies adopted by researchers to deal with them. METHODS A scoping review was conducted according to PRISMA methodology to identify CEAs and CUAs of NBS. The methodological quality of the retrieved studies was assessed quantitatively using a specific guideline for the quality assessment of NBS economic evaluations, by calculating a general score for each EE. Challenges in the studies were then explored using thematic analysis as a qualitative synthesis approach. RESULTS Thirty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. The quantitative analysis showed that the methodological quality of NBS economic evaluations was heterogeneous. Lack of clear description of items related to results, discussion, and discounting were the most frequent flaws. Methodological challenges in performing EEs of neonatal screenings include the adoption of a long time horizon, the use of quality-adjusted life years as health outcome measure, and the assessment of costs beyond the screening interventions. CONCLUSIONS The results of this review can support future economic evaluation research, aiding researchers to develop a methodological guidance to perform EEs aimed at producing solid results to inform decisions for resource allocation in neonatal screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Cacciatore
- Sezione di Igiene, Istituto di Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Laurenske A. Visser
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (L.A.V.); (N.B.)
| | - Nasuh Buyukkaramikli
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (L.A.V.); (N.B.)
| | | | - M. Elske van den Akker-van Marle
- Unit Medical Decision Making, Department of Biomedical Datasciences, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To elaborate on the implementation and achievements of a biliary atresia (BA) screening programme in Shenzhen. METHODS In 2015, we partnered with the government in Shenzhen and attached the stool colour card (SCC) to the health handbook for mothers and children. These handbooks have been distributed through official channels to every pregnant woman in Shenzhen since 1 January 2015. A total of 118 patients diagnosed with BA at Shenzhen Children's Hospital were enrolled and divided into two cohorts based on their date of diagnosis: cohort A before and cohort B after introduction of screening. The cohorts were compared to evaluate differences in age at diagnosis, jaundice-free rate, 2-year native liver survival rate and so on. RESULTS After the implementation of the screening programme, the age at diagnosis decreased from 81±12 to 56±15 days old (p<0.05), the incidence of postoperative complications decreased from 58.8% to 52.6% (p<0.05), the jaundice-free rate increased from 47.1% to 54.4% (p<0.05), and the 2-year native liver survival rate increased from 44.4% to 52.6% (p<0.05). The percentage of patients who underwent surgery increased from 68.0% to 83.8% (p<0.05). CONCLUSION In Shenzhen, our screening programme led to earlier diagnoses and better prognoses. The latter resulted in an increased willingness to undergo the Kasai procedure. Through a hospital and government collaboration, this programme exerted a considerable influence, and guardians observed benefits with only a small cost of implementation. Our results may eventually help promote the widespread use of the SCC across the whole country.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yongqin Ye
- Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Lihui Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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McKiernan PJ. Prompt diagnosis of biliary atresia: education has not succeeded, time to move to universal screening. Arch Dis Child 2020; 105:709-710. [PMID: 32586929 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-319351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick James McKiernan
- Division of Dastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Direct Health Care Costs, Health Services Utilization, and Outcomes of Biliary Atresia: A Population-based Cohort Study. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2020; 70:436-443. [PMID: 31834111 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000002582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Biliary atresia (BA) is the most common reason for liver transplant in childhood, and outcomes worsen with older age at hepatoportoenterostomy (HPE). We determined direct health care costs in children with BA, compared to controls in a population-based cohort of children in Ontario, Canada. METHODS We used health administrative data to identify all children diagnosed with BA between 2002 and 2016 (n = 121) and matched controls (n = 602). We determined annual direct healthcare costs, and rates of health services utilization, liver transplantation, death, portal hypertension, cirrhosis, esophageal varices, and major upper gastrointestinal bleeding requiring hospitalization. Multivariable regression models determined the association between age at HPE, risk of liver transplant, and direct costs. RESULTS Incidence of BA was 6.07 (4.99-7.15) per 100,000 live births. The annual median (interquartile range) direct health care costs were higher in BA cases ($4210; interquartile range $1091-$16,765) compared to controls ($283; $112-$634). Compared to age at HPE <45 days, there was no significant association between direct costs and HPE ≥90 days (rate ratio 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78-1.97) or 45 to 90 days (rate ratio 1.05, 95% CI 0.73-1.50). Age at HPE ≥90 days was significantly associated with risk of undergoing liver transplant compared to age <45 days (hazard ratio 5.27, 95% CI 2.45-11.34). Direct costs were higher in patients with BA who underwent liver transplantation compared to those who did not ($39,476±$84,367 vs $22,579 ± $67,913). CONCLUSIONS Direct ealth care costs were high in patients with BA, especially in those who underwent liver transplantation. Age at HPE was associated with risk of liver transplantation, but not direct health care costs, utilization, or other risk outcomes.
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Harpavat S, Garcia-Prats JA, Anaya C, Brandt ML, Lupo PJ, Finegold MJ, Obuobi A, ElHennawy AA, Jarriel WS, Shneider BL. Diagnostic Yield of Newborn Screening for Biliary Atresia Using Direct or Conjugated Bilirubin Measurements. JAMA 2020; 323:1141-1150. [PMID: 32207797 PMCID: PMC7093763 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2020.0837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Treating biliary atresia in newborns earlier can delay or prevent the need for liver transplant; however, treatment typically occurs later because biliary atresia is difficult to detect during its early stages. OBJECTIVE To determine the diagnostic yield of newborn screening for biliary atresia with direct or conjugated bilirubin measurements and to evaluate the association of screening implementation with clinical outcomes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A cross-sectional screening study of 124 385 infants born at 14 Texas hospitals between January 2015 and June 2018; and a pre-post study of 43 infants who underwent the Kasai portoenterostomy as treatment for biliary atresia at the region's largest pediatric hepatology center before (January 2008-June 2011) or after (January 2015-June 2018) screening implementation. Final follow-up occurred on July 15, 2019. EXPOSURES Two-stage screening with direct or conjugated bilirubin measurements. In stage 1, all newborns were tested within the first 60 hours of life, with a positive screening result defined as bilirubin levels exceeding derived 95th percentile reference intervals. In stage 2, infants who had a positive screening result in stage 1 were retested at or before the 2-week well-child visit, with a positive screening result defined as bilirubin levels greater than the stage 1 result or greater than 1 mg/dL. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcomes of the screening study were sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value based on infants testing positive in both stages. The reference standard was biliary atresia diagnosed at the region's pediatric hepatology centers. The primary outcome of the pre-post study was the age infants underwent the Kasai portoenterostomy for treatment of biliary atresia. RESULTS Of 124 385 newborns in the screening study, 49.2% were female, 87.6% were of term gestational age, 70.0% were white, and 48.1% were Hispanic. Screening identified the 7 known infants with biliary atresia with a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI, 56.1%-100.0%), a specificity of 99.9% (95% CI, 99.9%-99.9%), a positive predictive value of 5.9% (95% CI, 2.6%-12.2%), and a negative predictive value of 100.0% (95% CI, 100.0%-100.0%). In the pre-post study, 24 infants were treated before screening implementation and 19 infants were treated after screening implementation (including 6 of 7 from the screening study, 7 from screening at nonstudy hospitals, and 6 from referrals because of clinical symptoms). The age infants underwent the Kasai portoenterostomy was significantly younger after screening was implemented (mean age, 56 days [SD, 19 days] before screening implementation vs 36 days [SD, 22 days] after screening implementation; between-group difference, 19 days [95% CI, 7-32 days]; P = .004). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Newborn screening with direct or conjugated bilirubin measurements detected all known infants with biliary atresia in the study population, although the 95% CI around the sensitivity estimate was wide and the study design did not ensure complete ascertainment of false-negative results. Research is needed in larger populations to obtain more precise estimates of diagnostic yield and to better understand the clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of this screening approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjiv Harpavat
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston
| | - Joseph A. Garcia-Prats
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston
| | - Carlos Anaya
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine and Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, Edinburg
| | - Mary L. Brandt
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston
| | - Philip J. Lupo
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston
| | | | - Alice Obuobi
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston
| | - Adel A. ElHennawy
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston
| | | | - Benjamin L. Shneider
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston
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Madadi-Sanjani O, Blaser J, Voigt G, Kuebler JF, Petersen C. Home-based color card screening for biliary atresia: the first steps for implementation of a nationwide newborn screening in Germany. Pediatr Surg Int 2019; 35:1217-1222. [PMID: 31346695 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-019-04526-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Biliary atresia is a rare neonatal disease and the most common indication for pediatric liver transplantation. Kasai portoenterostomy is the initial treatment, aiming to prevent liver transplantation. Beyond age at Kasai, few prognostic factors are known. Multiple countries have established screening methods to reduce the age at Kasai and recent analysis shows significant better outcomes for screening cohorts. In 2016, we established a decentralized stool color card screening in Lower Saxony and we present our first 2 years of experiences. METHODS In cooperation with a major German health insurance company and the Medical Association of Lower Saxony, we established the screening project, printed 120,000 color cards, and distributed them to all maternity hospitals. Program advertises were printed in newspapers and medical journals. After the first year, the project was evaluated. Thirty maternity hospitals and local practitioners were contacted via telephone, Internet, intranet, and pediatric journals. RESULTS One out of seventy-six maternity hospitals (1.3%) refused to participate in the screening. 30 hospitals (40%) were contacted and 93.5% of the interviewed staff reported that stool color cards were handed out regularly and discussed with the parents. Only 20% of local practitioners assessed neonatal cholestasis to be a relevant problem during daily practice, and 55% regarded a stool color card screening to be useful. CONCLUSIONS In the second year, we extended the screening project to outpatient maternity clinics. Based on the responses of local practitioners, we regard the voluntary screening as insufficient and we have contacted the Federal Joint Committee for the initiation of a nationwide obligatory stool color card screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omid Madadi-Sanjani
- Center of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - J Blaser
- Representative Office of Lower Saxony, Techniker Krankenkasse (Health Insurance), Hannover, Germany
| | - G Voigt
- Medical Association of Lower Saxony, Representative Office of Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - J F Kuebler
- Center of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - C Petersen
- Center of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
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Masucci L, Schreiber RA, Kaczorowski J, Collet JP, Bryan S. Universal screening of newborns for biliary atresia: Cost-effectiveness of alternative strategies. J Med Screen 2019; 26:113-119. [DOI: 10.1177/0969141319832039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Objective Biliary atresia, a rare newborn liver disease, is the most common cause of liver-related death in children and the main indication for paediatric liver transplantation. Early detection and surgical intervention with a Kasai portoenterostomy offers the best chance for long-term patient survival. We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis to compare no universal screening with screening using either a home-based infant stool colour card with passive card distribution strategy, or conjugated bilirubin testing. Methods A Markov model was developed, with structure, costs, and probabilities informed by the literature and clinical expert opinion, to simulate a newborn cohort over a 10-year time horizon. Health benefits were expressed as life-years gained. This analysis was conducted from the perspective of the Canadian publicly funded health care system (all costs in Canadian dollars). Both deterministic and probabilistic analyses were conducted. Results Screening using a home-based colour card with passive card distribution was a cost-effective option. For a population of 392,902 annual births in Canada, this strategy cost approximately $192,000 more than no universal screening but led to eight life-years gained (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) = $24,065 per life-year gained). Screening using conjugated bilirubin testing versus the colour card cost $2,369,199 more and led to five more life-years gained (ICER= $473,840 per life year gained), and so was not cost-effective. Conclusions A home-based screening program using infant stool colour cards with a passive distribution strategy could be highly cost-effective when administered at a low unit cost and with a reasonable screening performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Masucci
- Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Richard A Schreiber
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Janusz Kaczorowski
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal and CRCHUM, Montréal, Canada
| | - JP Collet
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
- Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Stirling Bryan
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
- School of Population & Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Validity of an observational assessment tool for multifaceted evaluation of faecal condition. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3760. [PMID: 30842504 PMCID: PMC6403287 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40178-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Faecal volume, form, colour, and odour are associated with various diseases, dietary habits, and the gut microbiome. Multifaceted assessment of faecal condition will be needed for future research and practice. Faecal observation has advantages, as it is non-invasive, frequent, and easy. We have developed and validated an illustrative card tool for comprehensively faecal assessment. In 38 healthy adults, observations of volume, form, colour, and odour of faeces using the tool were compared to the objective characteristics of the actual faeces determined using a weighing scale, moisture meter, hardness meter, colourimeter, and odour measuring device. A significant positive correlation (ρ = 0.778) was observed between the number of faecal model (2 cm × 10 cm) units and the actual weight. The Bristol Stool Form Scale showed a significant positive correlation with the moisture content (ρ = 0.717) and negative correlations with faecal hardness (ρ = −0.843) and adhesiveness (ρ = −0.761). The L*a*b* colour space values of the stool differed significantly among observational judgments using the colour card tool. No significant correlation was observed between the observation of odour and the measured odour index. In conclusion, the faecal volume, form, and colour can be estimated by observation using the multifaceted assessment card tool.
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Bezerra JA, Wells RG, Mack CL, Karpen SJ, Hoofnagle J, Doo E, Sokol RJ. Biliary Atresia: Clinical and Research Challenges for the Twenty-First Century. Hepatology 2018; 68:1163-1173. [PMID: 29604222 PMCID: PMC6167205 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Revised: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Biliary atresia (BA) is a fibroinflammatory disease of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary tree. Surgical hepatic portoenterostomy (HPE) may restore bile drainage, but progression of the intrahepatic disease results in complications of portal hypertension and advanced cirrhosis in most children. Recognizing that further progress in the field is unlikely without a better understanding of the underlying cause(s) and pathogenesis of the disease, the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) sponsored a research workshop focused on innovative and promising approaches and on identifying future areas of research. Investigators discussed recent advances using gestational ultrasound and results of newborn BA screening with serum direct (conjugated) bilirubin that support a prenatal onset of biliary injury. Experimental and human studies implicate the toxic properties of environmental toxins (e.g., biliatresone) and of viruses (e.g., cytomegalovirus) to the biliary system. Among host factors, sequence variants in genes related to biliary development and ciliopathies, a notable lack of a cholangiocyte glycocalyx and of submucosal collagen bundles in the neonatal extrahepatic bile ducts, and an innate proinflammatory bias of the neonatal immune system contribute to an increased susceptibility to damage and obstruction following epithelial injury. These advances form the foundation for a future research agenda focused on identifying the environmental and host factor(s) that cause BA, the potential use of population screening, studies of the mechanisms of prominent fibrosis in young infants, determinations of clinical surrogates of disease progression, and the design of clinical trials that target subgroups of patients with initial drainage following HPE. (Hepatology 2018; 00:000-000).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A. Bezerra
- Liver Care Center of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and the Department of Pediatrics of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Rebecca G. Wells
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Cara L. Mack
- Pediatric Liver Center, Children’s Hospital Colorado and Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Saul J. Karpen
- Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jay Hoofnagle
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Edward Doo
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ronald J. Sokol
- Pediatric Liver Center, Children’s Hospital Colorado and Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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Liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy in the diagnosis of biliary atresia in children with hyperbilirubinemia. J Surg Res 2018; 228:228-237. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2018.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Province-wide Biliary Atresia Home Screening Program in British Columbia: Evaluation of First 2 Years. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2018; 66:845-849. [PMID: 29570556 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000001950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Biliary atresia (BA), a rare newborn liver disease, is the leading cause of liver-related death in children. Early disease recognition and timely surgical Kasai hepatoportoenterostomy (KP) offers long-term survival without liver transplant. Universal BA screening in Taiwan using infant stool color cards (ISCCs) has proven effectiveness. We report our experience with infant stool color card (ISCC) BA screening in a province-wide program in British Columbia (BC). The objective of this study is to assess program performance and cost from launch April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2016. METHODS ISCCs distributed to families upon maternity ward discharge. Parents were instructed to monitor their infant's stool color for 1 month and contacted the screening center with concerns. The number of live births, ISCC distribution, BA cases, and costs were recorded. Cases with Program screen success had both acholic stool recognition (ISCC screen success) and timely referral for BA. RESULTS All 126 maternity units received ISCCs. Of 87,583 live births there were 6 BA cases. Of the 5 cases with ISCC Screen Success 3 had Program Screen Success. The median KP age in the program screen success and failure groups was 49 (42-52) and 116 (49-184) days, respectively. Program sensitivity was 50%, specificity 99%, positive predictive value 4%, and negative predictive value 99%. A random sample of 1054 charts at BC Children's Hospital found an ISCC distribution rate of 94%. After a phase-in period, the annual program cost was $30,033.82, and the ISCC cost per birth was $0.68. CONCLUSIONS The screening program has high specificity and distribution with low cost. Successful program case identification had earlier age at KP. Program modifications aim to improve sensitivity. Longer-term studies will determine program impact on health outcomes.
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Abstract
Early diagnosis followed by proper KP is essential for the improvement of long-term prognosis for patients with BA. It is increasingly accepted that KP at ≤ 30 days of age significantly improves native liver survival rate. Published analyses in English and Japanese indicate that screening by SCC and DB/CB is potentially feasible. Screening with SCC has been implemented in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, since 1994. The concept of SCC was introduced from Japan to Taiwan and resulted in nationwide screening with SCC for the first time in Taiwan in 2004, followed by Japan in 2012. Home-based screening using SCC is easy and cost-effective; however, it may cause some difficulties for families in case of stools with intermediate colors. Laboratory-based screening using DB/CB may detect the suspected cases earlier, resulting in an increase in the number of patients with BA who undergo KP at ≤ 30 days of age; however, the recall rate is 1% and may be beyond an acceptable range. Further studies are needed to assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of both home-based (SCC) and laboratory-based (DB/CB) screening for BA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Matsui
- Graduate School of Nursing Science, St. Luke's International University, 3-8-5 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.
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Abstract
Despite advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of biliary atresia (BA), BA remains the most common cause of end-stage liver disease in children and the leading indication for pediatric liver transplantation. Age at time of Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE), performed to provide bile drainage, strongly correlates with transplant-free survival, mostly due to progression of intrahepatic fibrosis to cirrhosis. Unfortunately, challenges remain in recognizing that a jaundiced infant may have BA. To better diagnose infants with BA at an earlier age, population-based screening programs in countries such as Taiwan, Japan, and China have utilized stool color cards. Early results have been promising demonstrating earlier diagnosis, earlier KPE, and, hence, improved outcomes. Cost-effectiveness studies focused on stool color card screening in North America where the incidence of BA is much lower also project improved transplant-free survival rate with a savings in terms of healthcare expenditure. There is also evidence that postnatal serum bilirubin levels may also be effective as a screening tool given that all infants with BA exhibit hyperbilirubinemia at birth. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently advocated studying the implementation of newborn screening for BA in the United States. Further efforts and analyses within the United States are ongoing, but current evidence is supportive of screening for BA even in low incidence countries.
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Hoshino E, Hayashi K, Suzuki M, Obatake M, Urayama KY, Nakano S, Taura Y, Nio M, Takahashi O. An iPhone application using a novel stool color detection algorithm for biliary atresia screening. Pediatr Surg Int 2017; 33:1115-1121. [PMID: 28819683 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-017-4146-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The stool color card has been the primary tool for identifying acholic stools in infants with biliary atresia (BA), in several countries. However, BA stools are not always acholic, as obliteration of the bile duct occurs gradually. This study aims to introduce Baby Poop (Baby unchi in Japanese), a free iPhone application, employing a detection algorithm to capture subtle differences in colors, even with non-acholic BA stools. METHODS The application is designed for use by caregivers of infants aged approximately 2 weeks-1 month. Baseline analysis to determine optimal color parameters predicting BA stools was performed using logistic regression (n = 50). Pattern recognition and machine learning processes were performed using 30 BA and 34 non-BA images. Additional 5 BA and 35 non-BA pictures were used to test accuracy. RESULTS Hue, saturation, and value (HSV) were the preferred parameter for BA stool identification. A sensitivity and specificity were 100% (95% confidence interval 0.48-1.00 and 0.90-1.00, respectively) even among a collection of visually non-acholic, i.e., pigmented BA stools and relatively pale-colored non-BA stools. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that an iPhone mobile application integrated with a detection algorithm is an effective and convenient modality for early detection of BA, and potentially for other related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eri Hoshino
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Center for Clinical Academia, St Luke's International University, 5th Floor, Tsukiji 3-6-2, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.
| | - Kuniyoshi Hayashi
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Center for Clinical Academia, St Luke's International University, 5th Floor, Tsukiji 3-6-2, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Mitsuyoshi Suzuki
- Department of Pediatrics, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Obatake
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kochi Medical School, Nankoku, Japan
| | - Kevin Y Urayama
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Center for Clinical Academia, St Luke's International University, 5th Floor, Tsukiji 3-6-2, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
- Department of Social Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nakano
- Department of Pediatrics, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Taura
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Nagasaki University School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masaki Nio
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Osamu Takahashi
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Center for Clinical Academia, St Luke's International University, 5th Floor, Tsukiji 3-6-2, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
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Mandelia A, Lal R, Mutt N. Role of Hepatobiliary Scintigraphy and Preoperative Liver Biopsy for Exclusion of Biliary Atresia in Neonatal Cholestasis Syndrome. Indian J Pediatr 2017; 84:685-690. [PMID: 28687948 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-017-2408-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
All diagnostic algorithms for Neonatal Cholestasis Syndrome (NCS) focus on differentiating numerous medical causes from Biliary Atresia (BA). No preoperative diagnostic algorithm has 100% diagnostic accuracy for BA and yet, timely diagnosis is crucial to optimize surgical outcome. Markers for high index of clinical suspicion for BA are: a "usually" well thriving infant with conjugated hyperbilirubinemia, raised gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, persistently "acholic" stools, firm hepatomegaly with dysmorphic, hypoplastic gall bladder. In the presence of above 'red flag' signs, there has been much debate on diagnostic accuracy of percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) vs. hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) to substantiate or exclude BA. Recent guidelines suggest a shift towards PLB (91.6% overall diagnostic accuracy) as the diagnostic cornerstone with key differentiating feature being 'bile ductular proliferation'. HBS has a high (98.7%) sensitivity but low specificity (37-74%) with an overall diagnostic accuracy of 67% for BA. Severe hepatocellular disease without anatomic obstruction would also have a non-excretory scan. Thus, while excretory HBS excludes BA, non-excretion does not confirm BA. Hence, diagnostic algorithms relying on non-excretory HBS as the primary standalone benchmark for surgical exploration would be mired by a high negative laparotomy rate revealing a normal peroperative cholangiogram (POC). However, an excretory HBS obviates need for laparotomy in case of equivocal stool color or PLB. A POC continues to be the ultimate gold standard. Hence, with high index of clinical suspicion but equivocal ultrasonography or PLB and a non-excretory HBS, the baby should not be denied a POC within time frame crucial for successful hepatoportoenterostomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankur Mandelia
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Superspecialties, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226014, India
| | - Richa Lal
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Superspecialties, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226014, India.
| | - Nijagal Mutt
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Superspecialties, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226014, India
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Sanchez-Valle A, Kassira N, Varela VC, Radu SC, Paidas C, Kirby RS. Biliary Atresia: Epidemiology, Genetics, Clinical Update, and Public Health Perspective. Adv Pediatr 2017; 64:285-305. [PMID: 28688594 DOI: 10.1016/j.yapd.2017.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Amarilis Sanchez-Valle
- Division of Genetics and Metabolism, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Noor Kassira
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Veronica C Varela
- Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Stephanie C Radu
- Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Charles Paidas
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Russell S Kirby
- Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
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Abstract
Neonatal jaundice is common and usually not concerning when it is secondary to unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia, below the neurotoxic level, and resolves early. Primary care providers should be vigilant, however, about evaluating infants in whom jaundice presents early, is prolonged beyond 2 weeks of life, or presents at high levels. Even in well-appearing infants, fractionated (direct and indirect) bilirubin levels should be obtained in these clinical scenarios to evaluate for potential cholestasis. This review presents an approach to the evaluation of a jaundiced infant and discusses diagnosis and management of several causes of neonatal cholestasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Lane
- Division of Gastroenterology, Seattle Children's Hospital, 4800 Sand Point Way Northeast, M/S OB 9.620, PO Box 50020, Seattle, WA 98115, USA
| | - Karen F Murray
- Division of Gastroenterology, Seattle Children's Hospital, 4800 Sand Point Way Northeast, M/S OB 9.620, PO Box 50020, Seattle, WA 98115, USA.
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Guideline for the Evaluation of Cholestatic Jaundice in Infants: Joint Recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2017; 64:154-168. [PMID: 27429428 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000001334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 267] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cholestatic jaundice in infancy affects approximately 1 in every 2500 term infants and is infrequently recognized by primary providers in the setting of physiologic jaundice. Cholestatic jaundice is always pathologic and indicates hepatobiliary dysfunction. Early detection by the primary care physician and timely referrals to the pediatric gastroenterologist/hepatologist are important contributors to optimal treatment and prognosis. The most common causes of cholestatic jaundice in the first months of life are biliary atresia (25%-40%) followed by an expanding list of monogenic disorders (25%), along with many unknown or multifactorial (eg, parenteral nutrition-related) causes, each of which may have time-sensitive and distinct treatment plans. Thus, these guidelines can have an essential role for the evaluation of neonatal cholestasis to optimize care. The recommendations from this clinical practice guideline are based upon review and analysis of published literature and the combined experience of the authors. The committee recommends that any infant noted to be jaundiced after 2 weeks of age be evaluated for cholestasis with measurement of total and direct serum bilirubin, and that an elevated serum direct bilirubin level (direct bilirubin levels >1.0 mg/dL or >17 μmol/L) warrants timely consideration for evaluation and referral to a pediatric gastroenterologist or hepatologist. Of note, current differential diagnostic plans now incorporate consideration of modern broad-based next-generation DNA sequencing technologies in the proper clinical context. These recommendations are a general guideline and are not intended as a substitute for clinical judgment or as a protocol for the care of all infants with cholestasis. Broad implementation of these recommendations is expected to reduce the time to the diagnosis of pediatric liver diseases, including biliary atresia, leading to improved outcomes.
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Shen Z, Zheng S, Dong R, Chen G. Saturation of stool color in HSV color model is a promising objective parameter for screening biliary atresia. J Pediatr Surg 2016; 51:2091-2094. [PMID: 27692864 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2016.09.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to study whether saturation in HSV color model could be a parameter for acholic stool and utilized for designing a mobile application for screening biliary atresia (BA). METHODS Saturations of the colors in the three validated stool color cards (Taiwan, Japan, Britain) were read using PHOTOSHOP. Stools from 40 BA patients and 40 in-hospital neonates with pneumonia were photographed and analyzed with color-analyzing mobile applications. RESULTS Saturations of normal colors in the published stool cards were all >50% (67%~99%, median 85%) and were all <50% (7~47%, median 25%) for abnormal colors. With saturation<60% as a cutoff line, acholic stools could be identified with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 85%. CONCLUSION Saturation of stool color in HSV model is a promising objective parameter for acholic stool and could be utilized in designing mobile APPs for screening BA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Study of diagnostic test, level II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Shen
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital, Fudan University.
| | - Shan Zheng
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital, Fudan University
| | - Rui Dong
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital, Fudan University
| | - Gong Chen
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital, Fudan University
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Kong YY, Zhao JQ, Wang J, Qiu L, Yang HH, Diao M, Li L, Gu YH, Matsui A. Modified stool color card with digital images was efficient and feasible for early detection of biliary atresia-a pilot study in Beijing, China. World J Pediatr 2016; 12:415-420. [PMID: 27807737 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-016-0061-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this pilot study in Beijing, China, was to validate a screening system for early detection of biliary atresia (BA) by using a modified version of the stool color card (SCC). METHODS From 2013 to 2014, a total of 29 799 live born infants were screened. SCC was distributed in maternal facilities. Guardians were asked to check their infants' stool colors daily using SCC up until four months after birth. The screening results among 92.5% of participants were reported. Cases deemed as high risk were referred to a surgical department immediately. RESULTS Based on the results reported by the guardians, 24 infants showed pale-pigmented stools, of which two males without obvious signs of jaundice were diagnosed with BA at 52 and 55 days of age, respectively. The sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 99.9%. Four infants were confirmed as having other diseases. Two female patients failed to be screened by the SCC because they had severe jaundice and were referred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after birth. They were diagnosed as BA at 14 and 17 days after birth, respectively. The overall prevalence of BA in this study was 1.3 in 10 000 live births. CONCLUSION The modified SCC was effective and feasible for early detection of BA, especially for patients with no apparent jaundice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Yuan Kong
- Department of Newborn Screening, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Qi Zhao
- Department of Newborn Screening, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Newborn Screening, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Qiu
- Department of Newborn Screening, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-He Yang
- Department of Newborn Screening, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Diao
- Department of Surgery, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Long Li
- Department of Surgery, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Hong Gu
- Graduate School of Public Health, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan. .,Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Akira Matsui
- National Medical Center for Children and Mothers, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
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Verkade HJ, Bezerra JA, Davenport M, Schreiber RA, Mieli-Vergani G, Hulscher JB, Sokol RJ, Kelly DA, Ure B, Whitington PF, Samyn M, Petersen C. Biliary atresia and other cholestatic childhood diseases: Advances and future challenges. J Hepatol 2016; 65:631-42. [PMID: 27164551 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Biliary Atresia and other cholestatic childhood diseases are rare conditions affecting the function and/or anatomy along the canalicular-bile duct continuum, characterised by onset of persistent cholestatic jaundice during the neonatal period. Biliary atresia (BA) is the most common among these, but still has an incidence of only 1 in 10-19,000 in Europe and North America. Other diseases such as the genetic conditions, Alagille syndrome (ALGS) and Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis (PFIC), are less common. Choledochal malformations are amenable to surgical correction and require a high index of suspicion. The low incidence of such diseases hinder patient-based studies that include large cohorts, while the limited numbers of animal models of disease that recapitulate the spectrum of disease phenotypes hinders both basic research and the development of new treatments. Despite their individual rarity, collectively BA and other cholestatic childhood diseases are the commonest indications for liver transplantation during childhood. Here, we review the recent advances in basic research and clinical progress in these diseases, as well as the research needs. For the various diseases, we formulate current key questions and controversies and identify top priorities to guide future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henkjan J Verkade
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital/University Medical Center, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Jorge A Bezerra
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mark Davenport
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, UK
| | - Richard A Schreiber
- Department of Paediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Georgina Mieli-Vergani
- Paediatric Liver, GI & Nutrition Centre, King's College London School of Medicine at King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Jan B Hulscher
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, University of Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital-University Medical Center, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald J Sokol
- Section of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Paediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Digestive Health Institute, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Deirdre A Kelly
- Liver Unit, Birmingham Children's Hospital NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Benno Ure
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter F Whitington
- Department of Paediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Marianne Samyn
- Paediatric Liver, GI & Nutrition Centre, King's College London School of Medicine at King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Claus Petersen
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Biliary atresia: Clinical advances and perspectives. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2016; 40:281-287. [PMID: 26775892 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2015.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare and severe inflammatory and obliterative cholangiopathy that affects both extra- and intrahepatic bile ducts. BA symptoms occur shortly after birth with jaundice, pale stools and dark urines. The prognosis of BA has dramatically changed in the last decades: before the Kasai operation most BA patients died, while nowadays with the sequential treatment with Kasai operation±liver transplantation BA patient survival is close to 90%. Early diagnosis is very important since the chances of success of the Kasai procedure decrease with time. The causes of BA remain actually unknown but several mechanisms including genetic and immune dysregulation may probably lead to the obliterative cholangiopathy. Current research focuses on the identification of blood or liver factors linked to the pathogenesis of BA that could become therapeutic targets and avoid the need for liver transplantation. No similar disease leading to total obstruction of the biliary tree exists in older children or adults. But understanding the physiopathology of BA may highlight the mechanisms of other destructive cholangiopathies, such as sclerosing cholangitis.
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Home-Based Screening for Biliary Atresia Using Infant Stool Color Cards in Canada: Quebec Feasibility Study. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2016; 62:536-41. [PMID: 26594828 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000001042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Biliary atresia (BA) is a leading cause of liver failure and liver transplantation in pediatrics. BA manifests by 3 weeks of life with jaundice and pale stools. Delayed diagnosis and surgical intervention with Kasai portoenterostomy after 3 months of age is significantly associated with poor prognosis for native liver survival. A national Taiwan infant stool color card (SCC) screening program has entirely eliminated late Kasai portoenterostomy >90 days of age and improved native liver survival. A recent large-scale prospective cohort study in British Columbia, Canada, indicated that distribution of SCC on the maternity ward was feasible, led to high utilization rate, and was cost-effective. The aim of the present study was to assess the generalizability of this screening strategy in another Canadian jurisdiction with a different sociodemographic profile. METHODS An SCC was distributed to families of newborns discharged at St Mary's Hospital Center, Montreal, Quebec. Families were instructed to monitor their infant's stool color for 21 days and then complete and mail the SCC to the study center. Phone surveys to families who did not return cards were used to estimate total card utilization rate. RESULTS Two thousand two hundred forty-six infants were eligible for inclusion; 99.9% were enrolled. Mail SCC return rate was 63.3%. No cases of BA were identified. All of the 118 families who completed the phone survey reported that they had utilized the SCC. Conservative and optimistic estimates for total card utilization rates were 82% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The high enrollment and utilization rates in this screening study strongly support the feasibility of implementing a Canadian SCC screening program to improve outcomes of children with BA.
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Lee M, Chen SCC, Yang HY, Huang JH, Yeung CY, Lee HC. Infant Stool Color Card Screening Helps Reduce the Hospitalization Rate and Mortality of Biliary Atresia: A 14-Year Nationwide Cohort Study in Taiwan. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e3166. [PMID: 27015203 PMCID: PMC4998398 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000003166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Biliary atresia (BA) is a significant liver disease in children. Since 2004, Taiwan has implemented a national screening program that uses an infant stool color card (SCC) for the early detection of BA. The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes of BA cases before and after the launch of this screening program. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the rates of hospitalization, liver transplantation (LT), and mortality of BA cases before and after the program, and to examine the association between the hospitalization rate and survival outcomes.This was a population-based cohort study. BA cases born during 1997 to 2010 were identified from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Sex, birth date, hospitalization date, LT, and death data were collected and analyzed. The hospitalization rate by 2 years of age (Hosp/2yr) was calculated to evaluate its association with the outcomes of LT or death.Among 513 total BA cases, 457 (89%) underwent the Kasai procedure. Of these, the Hosp/2yr was significantly reduced from 6.0 to 6.9/case in the earlier cohort (1997-2004) to 4.9 to 5.3/case in the later cohort (2005-2010). This hospitalization rate reduction was followed by a reduction in mortality from 26.2% to 15.9% after 2006. The Cox proportional hazards model showed a significant increase in the risk for both LT (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10-1.18) and death (HR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01-1.08) for each additional hospitalization. A multivariate logistic regression model found that cases with a Hosp/2yr >6 times had a significantly higher risk for both LT (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.35, 95% CI = 2.82-6.73) and death (aOR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.17-2.62).The hospitalization and mortality rates of BA cases in Taiwan were significantly and coincidentally reduced after the launch of the SCC screening program. There was a significant association between the hospitalization rate and final outcomes of LT or death. The SCC screening program can help reduce the hospitalization rate and mortality of BA cases and bring great financial benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Lee
- From the Department of Pediatrics (ML), Taipei City Hospital, Zhongxiao Branch, Taipei City; Department of Medical Research (SC-CC, H-YY, J-HH), Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City; Department of Pediatrics (SC-CC), School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei; Department of Pediatrics (C-YY), MacKay Children's Hospital, Taipei City; and MacKay Memorial Hospital (H-CL), Hsinchu Branch, Hsinchu City, Taiwan
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Lin JS, Chen SCC, Lu CL, Lee HC, Yeung CY, Chan WT. Reduction of the ages at diagnosis and operation of biliary atresia in Taiwan: A 15-year population-based cohort study. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:13080-13086. [PMID: 26673041 PMCID: PMC4674726 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i46.13080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2015] [Revised: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To describe the ages at diagnosis and operation of biliary atresia (BA) and its incidence over a 15-year period in Taiwan.
METHODS: This was a population-based cohort study. BA cases were identified from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database based on the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) code of BA 751.61 plus Kasai operation (ICD-9 procedure code 51.37) or liver transplantation (LT, ICD-9 procedure code 50.5). The patients’ characteristics including sex, age at diagnosis, age at receiving Kasai operation and age at receiving LT were compared among three birth cohorts: (1) 1997 to 2001; (2) 2002 to 2006; and (3) 2007 to 2011.
RESULTS: There were a total of 540 BA cases (275 females) with an incidence of 1.62 per 10000 live births. No seasonality of BA was noted. The mean ages at diagnosis of three cohorts were 57.9, 55.6 and 52.6 d. A linear regression model demonstrated a decreasing trend of the mean age at diagnosis (1.27 d per year). The proportion of BA cases that received the Kasai operation within 60 d of age increased from 76% to 81%. A total of 189 (35%) BA patients underwent LT. The mean age at LT was reduced from 3-year-old to 1-year-old. The rates of LT were 25.6% and 32.3% in patients who received the Kasai operation within 60 d or after 60 d of age, respectively. All patients who did not undergo a Kasai operation eventually required LT.
CONCLUSION: The ages at diagnosis and operation in BA cases have decreased over time. Kasai operation performed at younger age reduces the need for LT. The incidence of BA in Taiwan fluctuates, but without certain trend.
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Abstract
Biliary atresia is the most common cause of pediatric end-stage liver disease and the leading indication for pediatric liver transplantation. Affected infants exhibit evidence of biliary obstruction within the first few weeks after birth. Early diagnosis and successful surgical drainage of bile are associated with greater survival with the child's native liver. Unfortunately, because noncholestatic jaundice is extremely common in early infancy, it is difficult to identify the rare infant with cholestatic jaundice who has biliary atresia. Hence, the need for timely diagnosis of this disease warrants a discussion of the feasibility of screening for biliary atresia to improve outcomes. Herein, newborn screening for biliary atresia in the United States is assessed by using criteria established by the Discretionary Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children. Published analyses indicate that newborn screening for biliary atresia by using serum bilirubin concentrations or stool color cards is potentially life-saving and cost-effective. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and costs of potential screening strategies for early identification of biliary atresia in the United States.
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Franciscovich A, Vaidya D, Doyle J, Bolinger J, Capdevila M, Rice M, Hancock L, Mahr T, Mogul DB. PoopMD, a Mobile Health Application, Accurately Identifies Infant Acholic Stools. PLoS One 2015. [PMID: 26221719 PMCID: PMC4519295 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Biliary atresia (BA) is the leading cause of pediatric end-stage liver disease in the United States. Education of parents in the perinatal period with stool cards depicting acholic and normal stools has been associated with improved time-to-diagnosis and survival in BA. PoopMD is a mobile application that utilizes a smartphone’s camera and color recognition software to analyze an infant’s stool and determine if additional follow-up is indicated. PoopMD was developed using custom HTML5/CSS3 and wrapped to work on iOS and Android platforms. In order to define the gold standard regarding stool color, seven pediatricians were asked to review 45 photographs of infant stool and rate them as acholic, normal, or indeterminate. Samples for which 6+ pediatricians demonstrated agreement defined the gold standard, and only these samples were included in the analysis. Accuracy of PoopMD was assessed using an iPhone 5s with incandescent lighting. Variability in analysis of stool photographs as acholic versus normal with intermediate rating weighted as 50% agreement (kappa) was compared between three laypeople and one expert user. Variability in output was also assessed between an iPhone 5s and a Samsung Galaxy S4, as well as between incandescent lighting and compact fluorescent lighting. Six-plus pediatricians agreed on 27 normal and 7 acholic photographs; no photographs were defined as indeterminate. The sensitivity was 7/7 (100%). The specificity was 24/27 (89%) with 3/27 labeled as indeterminate; no photos of normal stool were labeled as acholic. The Laplace-smoothed positive likelihood ratio was 6.44 (95% CI 2.52 to 16.48) and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.13 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.83). kappauser was 0.68, kappaphone was 0.88, and kappalight was 0.81. Therefore, in this pilot study, PoopMD accurately differentiates acholic from normal color with substantial agreement across users, and almost perfect agreement across two popular smartphones and ambient light settings. PoopMD may be a valuable tool to help parents identify acholic stools in the perinatal period, and provide guidance as to whether additional evaluation with their pediatrician is indicated. PoopMD may improve outcomes for children with BA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Franciscovich
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Dhananjay Vaidya
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Joe Doyle
- HCB Health, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | | | - Montserrat Capdevila
- Office of Technology Transfer, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Marcus Rice
- HCB Health, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | | | - Tanya Mahr
- HCB Health, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Douglas B. Mogul
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this study is to review advances in both the pathogenesis and clinical management of biliary atresia. RECENT FINDINGS Immunologic studies have further characterized roles of helper T-cells, B-cells, and natural killer cells in the immune dysregulation following viral replication within and damage of biliary epithelium. Prominin-1-expressing portal fibroblasts may play an integral role in the biliary fibrosis associated with biliary atresia. A number of genetic polymorphisms have been characterized as leading to susceptibility for biliary atresia. Postoperative corticosteroid therapy is not associated with greater transplant-free survival. Newborn screening may improve outcomes of infants with biliary atresia and may also provide a long-term cost benefit. SUMMARY Although recent advances have enhanced our understanding of pathogenesis and clinical management, biliary atresia remains a significant challenge requiring further investigation.
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