Effect of Ursodeoxycholic Acid on Liver Function in Children After Successful Surgery for Biliary Atresia

Abstract

Our study demonstrates the beneficial effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on liver function in children after successful surgery for biliary atresia.

Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency Presenting as Neonatal Cholestasis: Predictors of Outcome and Effect of Ursodeoxycholic Acid

“…Meanwhile, the efficacy of UDCA in AAT deficiency patients (a widely used drug in liver cholestatic diseases such as biliary atresia [26]) has never been adequately tested, especially in patients presenting with neonatal cholestasis. The only report [27] is a retrospective study with 42 children concluding that UDCA may normalize or significantly improve clinical and biochemical status in children with liver disease associated with ZZ AAT deficiency, and that the initial values of serum GGT and total serum bilirubin may have a prognostic value as to the efficacy of treatment.…”

Advances in biliary atresia: from patient care to research

“…In an "on-off-on" study, investigators found that the use of ursodeoxycholic acid was associated with improved markers of bile flow (35). Despite the lack of randomization or placebo control, this is an important report supporting a potential benefit provided by ursodeoxycholic acid when used in infants following portoenterostomy for biliary atresia.…”

Maximizing Kasai portoenterostomy in the treatment of biliary atresia: Medical and surgical options

“…Sixteen children with BA all cleared their jaundice. 29 Six months after ceasing UDCA treatment, 1 child worsened clinically with recurrence of jaundice, and all but 2 had significant worsening of their liver enzymes. On UDCA re-introduction, their biochemistry improved.…”