DIFFERENTIATING BILIARY ATRESIA FROM OTHER CAUSES OF CHOLESTASIS JAUNDICE IN INFANTS

Aim: The aim of this study is to find out the cholestatic etiologies in infants and differences of clinical features, laboratory investigations between biliary atresia and other causes of cholestasis at Vietnam Children Hospital. Background: Cholestasis is defined as reduced bile formation or biliary flow. It results of varied causes. Early detection of biliary atresia is to intervene in time and have the best outcome. Patient and methods: In this retrospective study, 305 infants under 12 months of age with cholestasis were studied in Vietnam Children Hospital during 1/2017-7/2018. Demographic data, duration of jaundice, signs and symptoms as well as laboratory, imaging, liver biopsy and the causes of cholestasis were recorded, divided into 2 group BA and Non-BA. Results: 305 infants (194 boys, 111 girls) with cholestasis and mean age of 83,22±72,10 days were included in the study. The most common causes of cholestasis were idiopathic neonatal hepatitis (33,8%), biliary atresia (25,9%), cytomegalovirus infection (21,6%). In BA group, pale stool (100%), Hepatomegaly (98,7%); increasing less AST, ALT, more GGT level than Non-BA. Find out GGT cutoff > 212,05 UI/l in diagnosing BA. Conclusion: Biliary atresia and idiopathic neonatal hepatitis are the most common causes of infantile cholestasis. Pale stool, hepatomegaly and GGT elevation > 212,05 UI/l are the most reliable tests for diagnosing BA.