Epidemiology of biliary atresia in England and Wales (1999-2006)

Abstract

There is a remarkable variation of incidence of biliary atresia within England and Wales, some of which may have been caused by factors related to a different aetiological and racial background.

Problems related to CMV infection and biliary atresia

“…4 A study showing a seasonal clustering of children presenting with BA supports an infective aetiological factor. 12 Although multiple factors are involved in the targeting of the developing biliary tree, the correlation between viral infections and BA suggests the possibility that the viral infection initiates an inflammatory auto-immune process which results in the ductal sclerosis seen in the condition. 13 Current information suggests that this is based on antibody-mediated inflammation (probably virally induced) which leads to progressive biliary sclerosis.…”

Th-17 cells infiltrate the liver in human biliary atresia and are related to surgical outcome

“…Biliary Atresia (BA) is an occlusive pan-ductular cholangiopathy presenting in neonatal life with an incidence in Europe ranging from 1 in 17-20,000 (1,2). Characteristically, there is cholestasis with a progressive inflammatory infiltrate in most (but not all) cases and an early-onset of liver fibrosis leading ultimately to cirrhosis and end-stage liver failure within six months if untreated (3).…”

Biliary atresia in England and Wales: results of centralization and new benchmark

“…Biliary atresia is a rare disease, with the latest estimate of incidence for England and Wales being 1 in 17,000 live births, which therefore translates to about 50 infants annually [2].…”