Paediatric Hepatobiliary
Problems related to CMV infection and biliary atresia
Abstract
Methods
We carried out a retrospective chart review on 74 patients diagnosed with hepatobiliary disease (2000-2011). Methods included clinical and outcome review as well as evaluation of potential risk factors. Patients were divided into 2 groups those with biliary atresia and those without Biliary atresia (BA). The 2 groups were compared in terms of CMV infection.
Results
Of the 74 patients with hepatobiliary disease investigated, 39 (52%) were shown to have Biliary atresia and 35 other cases. 12 of the BA group and 4 of the non-BA were excluded due to lack of data Twenty-seven (69%) of the biliary atresia group had sufficient available data for review. Of these, 21 (78% of the 27) had CMV positivity (IgM/IgG) on testing, with 20 of these being IgM positive versus 8 in the non-biliary atresia group. (p<0.01) Two (7.5%) of 27 BA infants were HIV exposed being born to HIV positive mothers whereas HIV positivity was observed in 7 (35%) of the non-biliary atresia group (p<0.01). Both of these biliary atresia infants were CMV IgM positive. Long- term outcome of the 21 with CMV positivity showed 3 deaths (non-HIV exposed) and a higher rate of severe early liver damage suggesting a poorer outcome in CMV affected patients.
Conclusions
This study suggests a correlation between CMV exposure, infection and surgical hepatobiliary disease including biliary atresia affecting outcome.HIV positivity does not preclude Biliary atresia and should be further investigated.
Authors' affiliations
Samuel W Moore, University of Stellenbosch
Caroline Zabiegaj-Zwick, Trainee in Paediatric Surgery
Etienne Nel, Senior lecturer, Dept Paediatric
Keywords
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Article History
Date published: 2012-09-11
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