Annals of Hepatology (Apr 2009)
Incidence and prognostic factors associated with biliary atresia in western India
Abstract
Aim:To estimate the incidence of Biliary Atresia(BA) amongst Neonatal Cholestatic Syndromes (NCS) and determine prognostic factors in BA patients who have undergone Kasai’s portoenterostomy. Study design-Retrospective analysis. Setting-Pediatric Hepatobiliary Clinic at B.J. Wadia Children’s Hospital, Mumbai.Methods and materials: 32 patients diagnosed with BA referred to the clinic from May 2005 to July 2007 were included in the study. All patients underwent a detailed history, clinical examination and were tested for Liver function tests (LFT), USG abdomen, Liver biopsy, intra-operative cholangiogram and CMV tests. Patients were followed up for a period of 1 month to 7 years post operatively and complications such as cholangitis, progress to liver cell failure and cirrhosis was noted.Results: Incidence of BA amongst NCS (n = 88) was 36.4%. 8 patients of BA (25%) were lost to follow up. Out of the remaining, 10 (41.7%) improved and 14 (58.3%) did not improve. The mean age of presentation was 89 ± 55.8days. 1 patient (25%) out of 4 with bile duct size of 200 microns had improvement post Kasai surgery. Those with bile duct sizes > 200 microns had better prognosis than those with sizes 100-200 microns (Odd’s ratio = 1.8) and 200 microns have a good prognosis. Portoenterostomy before 3 months of age has a better outcome.
