Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational

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 typeObservational
SexAll
Enrollment1100 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 21, 2016
Main results expectedDecember 21, 2030
Study endsJuly 21, 2035
Registry record updatedAugust 10, 2026
Trial IDNCT03273049 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

  • UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.