Biliary atresia-An experience from the first pediatric liver transplant center in Pakistan

Background: Biliary atresia (BA) is the most common cause of neonatal cholestatic syndrome. The true incidence of BA in Pakistan is largely unknown.

Aim: This study aimed to report the clinical features, age at diagnosis and outcomes of biliary atresia from the first pediatric liver transplant center in Pakistan.

Methods: The study was done in Shifa International hospital from 2013 to 2020. All babies who had biliary atresia confirmed by laboratory investigation were included. Demographic data, age of presentation, clinical presentation, supporting investigations like liver function tests, ultrasound abdomen, HIDA scan and liver biopsy were noted. Outcome related to Kasai portoenterostomy, liver transplant, complications and immunosuppressant agents were noted.

Result: A total of 42 children were included, 23 (54.7%) males and 19 (45.2%) were females. Jaundice was seen in all patients (100%) followed by acholic stools (81%). Associated malformations were noted in 6 (14.2%) patients. Liver function tests confirmed obstructive cholestasis (p 0.04). Kasai was done in 19 (45%) patients only, living donor liver transplant was performed in 6 (14%) patients. Age range of transplant patients was from 3 months to 1 year. Indication for liver transplant was failed Kasai in 1(16.7%) patient and chronic liver disease in 5 (83.3%) patients. LDLT survivors were 10 months to 1 year of age at the time of transplant, mean age was 10.6 months. Maximum survival noted so far is 7 years. Acute complications seen post-transplant were sepsis (three patients), surgical site infections (two patients), biliary leaks and acute cellular rejection in one patient each. Chronic graft rejection, portal vein stricture needing stenting was done in one patient.

Discussion: All patients underwent LDLT from related donors wih no donor related mortality. All are deceased patients were yonger and had advanced disease. BA remains third most commo indication of transplant in our center.

Conclusion: Liver transplant is the only lifesaving procedure after failed Kasai or as primary liver transplant due to advance liver disease. The advent of liver transplantation services offers survival and improving outlook of the disease.