A recent study (M Witt et al. JPGN 2018; 689-94) indicates that among patients with biliary atresia who reached 2 years of life with native liver survival (NLS), they continued to be at risk for progressive liver failure.

Key findings:

• Upon a median follow-up of 16.4 years, NLS rates at 5, 10, 15, 18 years of age were 89%, 72%, 60%, 54%, respectively.
• Corresponding overall survival rates were 98%, 90%, 87%, 87%, respectively
• NLS ended in 37% by liver transplantation (LTx) and in 6% by (pre-transplant) mortality.
• Abstract Link: Prognosis of Biliary Atresia After 2-year Survival With Native Liver

My take: This data provides more precise information for families about prognosis and reinforces the need for careful followup.

Related blog posts:

• Outcomes of “Successful” Biliary Atresia Patients
• Outcomes of Biliary Atresia | gutsandgrowth
• START Study: Steroids Not Effective For Biliary Atresia (After …
• What is the role for preventing variceal bleeding in Biliary …
• Learning a lot from ChiLDREN (part 1) | gutsandgrowth
• Learning a lot from ChiLDREN (part 2) | gutsandgrowth
• Helpful Review on Biliary Atresia | gutsandgrowth
• Bad News Bili | gutsandgrowth

Parker Ridge, near Banff