Investigating the role of the microbiome in biliary atresia

A multi-center study of the microbiome in biliary atresia

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · NIH-11074603

This study is looking at how the bacteria in the gut might affect the health of babies with biliary atresia, a liver condition, by collecting stool samples to see if there are differences between those who do and don’t have successful bile flow after surgery, with the hope of finding ways to improve their care.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11074603 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how the microbiome, the community of bacteria in the gut, affects the outcomes of biliary atresia, a serious liver condition in infants. The study will collect stool samples from infants with cholestasis and biliary atresia to analyze their microbiome using advanced genetic sequencing techniques. By comparing the microbial signatures of infants with and without successful bile flow after surgery, researchers aim to uncover important factors that influence treatment outcomes. This could lead to new insights into how to improve care for affected infants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants diagnosed with biliary atresia or cholestasis.

Not a fit: Patients who are older than 11 years or do not have biliary atresia or cholestasis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for infants with biliary atresia, potentially reducing the need for liver transplants.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the microbiome's role in various gastrointestinal conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

HOUSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.