Using stem cells to treat biliary atresia in infants

Umbilical Cord Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell (UC-MSC) Transplantation in Infants with Biliary Atresia: a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Necmi Kadıoğlu Hospital · NCT06564740

This study is testing if a new stem cell treatment can help improve liver function and health in infants with biliary atresia who have had surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment64 (estimated)
Ages2 Months to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorNecmi Kadıoğlu Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Istanbul)
Trial IDNCT06564740 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell (UC-MSC) therapy in infants diagnosed with biliary atresia who have undergone Kasai's operation. Biliary atresia is a serious condition leading to liver cirrhosis in neonates, and this multicentric randomized controlled trial aims to assess whether stem cell therapy can improve liver function and overall health outcomes. The study will involve infants aged two months and older who show signs of cirrhosis, with careful monitoring and control groups for comparison.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are infants diagnosed with liver cirrhosis due to biliary atresia who are at least two months old and have undergone Kasai's operation.

Not a fit: Patients with severe health conditions, neurological disorders, or syndromic types of biliary atresia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve liver function and quality of life for infants with biliary atresia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with stem cell therapies in treating liver conditions in children, indicating potential for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Infants were diagnosed with liver cirrhosis due to biliary atresia following Kasai's operation.
* The patients two months old or older and exhibited signs of cirrhosis after the procedure, including hepatomegaly, congestive splenomegaly, elevated liver enzymes, esophageal varices (confirmed by endoscopy), and cirrhosis (confirmed by liver biopsy).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Epilepsy
* Neurological disorders
* Coagulation disorders
* Diabetes
* Syndromic type biliary atresia
* Allergies to anesthetic agents
* Severe health conditions such as cancer or failure of the heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys, active infections, and severe psychiatric disorders.

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Istanbul

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Biliary AtresiaFibrosis, LiverStem Cellbiliary atresialiver fibrosisstem cell
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.