Understanding the genetic causes of biliary atresia
Official title: Coordinating Center- Mapping Disease Pathways for Biliary Atresia
Run by University of Pittsburgh · NCT03273049 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to find out the genetic causes of biliary atresia by collecting DNA samples from babies with the condition and their families to see what might lead to this serious liver problem.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 21, 2016 |
| Main results expected | December 21, 2030 |
| Study ends | July 21, 2035 |
| Registry record updated | August 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03273049 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with biliary atresia who are receiving or are about to receive a liver transplant.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are not diagnosed with biliary atresia or those under state care will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This project evaluates the developmental and genetic basis of biliary atresia, a leading cause of liver failure in newborns. It aims to differentiate between isolated and syndromic forms of the disease by analyzing genetic susceptibility and environmental influences. The study will involve collecting DNA samples from 1100 biliary atresia patients and their families to identify candidate genes associated with the condition. The findings may provide insights into the mechanisms behind biliary atresia and its related birth defects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential new treatments for biliary atresia.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on biliary atresia, this approach focusing on genetic pathways is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * living individuals who were diagnosed with Biliary Atresia and received or are about to receive a liver transplant from multiple participating centers (Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Kings College Hospital, Children's Hospital of Birmingham, and Hospital Sírio-Libanês). Exclusion Criteria: * No child participant in the care of the state will be enrolled, nor will patients in the care of temporary or informal guardians be enrolled
Where it's running
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UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Morgan L Paul, BSN
- Email: Morgan.Paul2@upmc.edu
- Phone: 4126928472
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Umbilical cord stem cells added during Kasai to help biliary atresia
This early-stage trial tests whether injecting umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells during Kasai portoenterostomy is safe and helpful for infants with biliary atresia.
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See if a computer program can help diagnose cholestasis in newborns using parent-provided stool images
A computer program is being tested to see if it can correctly identify cholestasis and biliary atresia in newborns by analyzing stool images provided by parents.
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Indocyanine green for diagnosing biliary atresia
This test tries to see if a harmless fluorescent dye (indocyanine green) can show whether infants under 3 months with cholestasis have blocked bile ducts (biliary atresia).
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Using near-infrared ICG dye to check bile flow in newborns with cholestasis
We will give eligible newborns a single IV dose of indocyanine green (ICG) to see if the dye appears in their diapers, which would indicate bile is flowing and the bile ducts are open.
-
High-MCT nutritional support for infants with biliary atresia
We will test whether giving a high medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) formula before and after Kasai surgery helps infants with biliary atresia grow better and recover faster than standard feeding.
-
Using oral antibiotics to prevent cholangitis after liver surgery in infants
This study is testing if giving oral antibiotics to infants after liver surgery can help prevent cholangitis, compared to those who don’t receive the antibiotics.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.