International Incidence and Outcomes of Biliary Atresia

• Published in: Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition Vol. 56; no. 4; pp. 344 - 354
• Main Authors: Jimenez‐Rivera, Carolina, Jolin‐Dahel, Kheira S., Fortinsky, Kyle J., Gozdyra, Peter, Benchimol, Eric I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hagerstown, MD Copyright by ESPGHAN and NASPGHAN 01.04.2013; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
• Subjects: biliary atresia; Biliary Atresia - diagnosis; Biliary Atresia - epidemiology; Biliary Atresia - physiopathology; Biliary Atresia - therapy; Biological and medical sciences; Child; epidemiology; Feeding. Feeding behavior; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Global Health; Humans; Incidence; liver transplantation; Liver, biliary tract, pancreas, portal circulation, spleen; Medical sciences; outcomes; pediatrics; Prognosis; Referral and Consultation; screening; Seasons; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Surgery of the digestive system; Survival Analysis; Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems; Human; Pediatrics; Biliary atresia; screening; Prognosis; Metabolic diseases; Medical screening; Epidemiology; Incidence; outcomes; Gastroenterology; Digestive diseases; Child; Liver transplantation
• DOI: 10.1097/MPG.0b013e318282a913
• ISSN: 0277-2116

ABSTRACT Objectives: International trends in incidence and outcomes of biliary atresia (BA) are controversial and a wide range of estimates have been reported worldwide. We reviewed the population‐based literature to assess international variation of BA incidence and outcomes, and to assess the evidence for seasonal variation in incidence, centralization of Kasai hepatoportoenterostomy, and newborn screening. Methods: We conducted a systematic review (registration number CRD42011001441) of observational or interventional research within MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database, which reported incidence, prevalence, or outcomes of infants with BA. Population‐based studies, defined by inclusion of an entire population or representative sample, were included. Outcomes included overall survival, native liver survival (NLS), and time to Kasai hepatoportoenterostomy. Single‐ or multicenter studies were excluded unless those centers captured all potential patients within a jurisdiction. Two independent data extractors reviewed the s and articles. Results: A total of 40 studies were included following review of 3128 references. A wide range of incidence was reported internationally. Ten‐year overall survival ranged from 66.7% to 89%. NLS ranged from 20.3% to 75.8% at 1 to 3 years and 24% to 52.8% at 10 years. Earlier age at Kasai was a predictor of improved NLS. Seasonality was reported in 11 studies, and 3 reported an increased incidence during the months of August to March. The evidence for centralization of Kasai to high‐volume centers is promising but does not account for all case‐mix, provider, or health system factors involved in volume–outcome relations. Stool color card screening resulted in earlier Kasai and improved NLS in Taiwan. Conclusions: Large, international studies could help fill the gaps in knowledge identified by this review.