PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

P Colombani

Publications and source records attributed to P Colombani.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Biliary complications of living related pediatric liver transplant patients.

Patients who undergo living related left lateral segment liver transplants have been reported to have a high incidence of biliary complications and some studies suggest that most patients will ultimately need operative revision. We reviewed our experience with living related transplantation in pediatric recipients to examine the occurrence of biliary complications and the utility of percutaneous biliary procedures in their management. Over a 10-yr period, 48 living donor transplants were performed in 47 patients. Sixteen patients (33%) had biliary complications. Complications included 10 leaks (20%) and eight strictures (17%). Although leaks were treated predominantly with operation, other biliary complications were treated almost exclusively non-operatively. Self limited leaks that lead to biloma accumulation were most often treated via percutaneous catheter drainage and all strictures were treated using percutaneous transhepatic biliary cholangioplasty and stenting. Sixty-seven percent of biliary complications underwent non-operative biliary intervention. Most strictures were focal anastomotic strictures and were successfully treated with cholangioplasty although multiple interventions were necessary and patients required stenting for an average of 13 months. Three of eight strictures were diffuse in nature and these included the only patient who required retransplantation. Graft survival with respect to biliary complications was 94%; 1 yr, 5 yr and overall patient survival for those with biliary complications was 88, 88 and 81%, and for the entire living related group was 84, 81 and 77%, respectively. Although biliary complications are frequent in pediatric living related transplantation, they are not associated with decreased patient survival. Excepting significant bile leaks, the majority can be treated non-operatively via biliary cholangioplasty and stenting. Strictures are especially amenable to this technique which, in our experience, has been successful at decreasing or postponing the need for retransplantation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Malignant retroperitoneal and abdominal germ cell tumors: an intergroup study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: This randomized study examined survival (S) and event-free survival (EFS) rates using high-or standard-dose cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy and surgical resection for this subset of germ cell tumors. METHODS: Twenty-six of 317 patients enrolled on the POG 9049/COG 8882 intergroup study for malignant germ cell tumors had abdomen or retroperitoneum as the primary site. Twenty-five of 26 were eligible for inclusion (n = 25). Patients had biopsy or resection at diagnosis and randomization to chemotherapy including etoposide, bleomycin, and either standard-dose (PEB) or high-dose cisplatin (HDPEB). In patients with initial biopsy, delayed resection was planned. RESULTS: Median age was 26 months. There were 14 girls and 11 boys. There were 3 stage I to II, 5 stage III, and 17 stage IV patients. Surgical management included primary resection in 5, resection after chemotherapy in 13, and biopsy or partial resection in 7 patients. Overall 6-year EFS rate was 82.8% +/- 10.9%, and 6-year survival rate was 87.6% +/- 9.3%. By group, 6-year survival rate was 90.0% +/- 11.6% for PEB and 85.7 +/- 14.5% for HDPEB. Deaths include one from sepsis, one from malignant tumor progression, and one from bulky disease caused by benign components despite response of the malignant elements to chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Malignant germ cell tumors arising in the abdomen and retroperitoneum have an excellent prognosis despite advanced stage in most children. Aggressive resection need not be undertaken at diagnosis, but a concerted attempt at complete surgical removal after chemotherapy is important to distinguish viable tumor from necrotic tumor or benign elements that will not benefit from further chemotherapy.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗
PubMed2001

The effect of cisplatin dose and surgical resection in children with malignant germ cell tumors at the sacrococcygeal region: a pediatric intergroup trial (POG 9049/CCG 8882).

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate (1) the efficacy of standard or high-dose cisplatin with etoposide and bleomycin and (2) the role of surgical resection in infants and children with malignant germ cell tumors of the sacrococcygeal region (SCT). METHODS: Seventy-four of 317 children presenting to Pediatric Oncology Group (POG)/Children's Cancer Group (CCG) institutions from 1990 through 1996 with malignant germ cell tumors had malignant SCT. There were 62 girls and 12 boys with a median age of 21 months (range, 3 days to 37 months) and median serum alpha-fetoprotein of 35,500 ng/mL. Twelve had undergone resection of a benign SCT as a newborn. Forty-four (59%) had evidence of metastatic disease at time of diagnosis. Presentation by type (Altman classification) was I, 0; II, 2; III, 30; and IV, 42. The initial procedure was biopsy in 45 and resection in 29. Patients were assigned randomly to receive 4 cycles of chemotherapy with etoposide (E) and bleomycin (B) and either high-dose cisplatin (200 mg/m(2) per cycle; HDP) or standard dose cisplatin (100 mg/m(2) per cycle; P). After completion of chemotherapy, 42 of 45 initially treated with biopsy underwent resection. RESULTS: Overall 4-year survival rate is 90% (SE = 4%) and 4-year event-free survival (EFS) is 84% (SE = 6%). Event-free survival data for subgroups of interest are as follows: 4-yr EFS% (SE) P Values Mets (44) 88 (6).48 No Mets (30) 80 (8) HDP EB (37) 89 (6).21 P EB (37) 78 (7) Initial Resection (29) 90 (7).50 Delayed Resection (42) 83 (7) Complete Resection (49) 90 (5).19 CR/PR Partial Resection (22) 77 (10) Biopsy Only (3) 33 (27).005 (3 way) CONCLUSIONS: (1) The current survival rate of malignant sacrococcygeal tumors is excellent even with metastases. (2) Delayed surgical resection is not associated with an adverse outcome. (3) In this subset the treatment comparison was inconclusive however, followed the trend in the overall study of more than 300 children in which the high-dose cisplatin group had superior EFS (P<.05).

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
PubMed2001

Malignant mediastinal germ cell tumors: an intergroup study.

PURPOSE: This review was conducted to determine clinical characteristics and response to therapy in this rare pediatric neoplasm. METHODS: An intergroup Pediatric Oncology Group (POG) 9049/Children's Cancer Study Group (CCG) 8882 randomized trial was conducted to evaluate response rate and survival with chemotherapy using etoposide, bleomycin, and high or standard dose cisplatin for high-risk malignant germ cell tumors at extragonadal sites. For this review, a secondary analysis of clinical and operative findings in patients with primary site in the mediastinum was carried out. RESULTS: Of the 38 children with malignant mediastinal germ cell tumors (MGCT), 36 had sufficient data to be included in this review. Thirty-four tumors were anterior mediastinal, 2 were intrapericardial. Younger patients had respiratory complaints; older patients had chest pain, precocious puberty, or facial fullness. Yolk sac tumor was the only malignant element in girls. Boys had yolk sac tumor in 7, germinoma in 3, choriocarcinoma in 2, and mixed malignant elements in 15. Benign teratoma elements coexisted in 22 patients. Four patients had biopsy and chemotherapy without tumor resection, and only 1 survived. Fourteen patients had resection at diagnosis followed by chemotherapy with 12 survivors. Eighteen patients had biopsy followed by chemotherapy and postchemotherapy tumor resection with 13 survivors. Tumor size in response to chemotherapy for these 18 patients was stable or increased in 6, and decreased in 12 (mean decrease of 57% in greatest dimension). Overall, 26 of 36 patients survived, with a 4-year patient survival rate of 71%+/-10%, and a 4-year event-free survival rate of 69%+/-10%. Ten patients died: 5 of tumor (all boys > or =15 yr), 2 of sepsis, and 3 of second malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: Malignant MGCT is a complex tumor of varied histology with frequent coexistence of benign elements. Lesions often have incomplete regression with chemotherapy alone. Tumor resection may be undertaken at diagnosis or after attempted shrinkage with chemotherapy. Aggressive attempt at complete tumor resection should be offered to all patients even if bulky tumor persists after induction chemotherapy with expectation of a significant salvage rate. Boys > or =15 years may be a high-risk subgroup for mortality from tumor progression.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy: the recipient.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy offers advantages to the donor in terms of decreased pain and shorter recuperation. Heretofore no detailed analysis of the recipient of laparoscopically procured kidneys has been performed. The purpose of this study was to determine whether laparoscopic donor nephrectomy had any deleterious effect on the recipient. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of all live donor renal transplantations performed from January 1995 through April 1998. The control group received kidneys procured via a standard flank approach (Open). Rejection was diagnosed histologically. Creatinine clearance was calculated using the Cockroft-Gault formula. RESULTS: A total of 110 patients received kidneys from laparoscopic (Lap) and 48 from open donors. One-year recipient (100% vs. 97.0%) and graft (93.5% vs. 91.1%) survival rates were similar for the Open and Lap groups, respectively. A similar incidence of vascular thrombosis (3.4% vs. 2.1%, P=NS) and ureteral complications (9.1% vs. 6.3%, P=NS) were seen in the Lap and Open groups, respectively. The incidence of acute rejection for the first month was 30.1% for the Lap group and 31.9% for the Open group (P=NS). The rate of decline of serum creatinine level in the early posttransplantation period was initially greater in the Open group, but by postoperative day 4 no significant difference existed. No difference was observed in allograft function long-term. The median length of hospital stay was 7.0 days for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy does not adversely effect recipient outcome. The previously demonstrated benefits to the donor, and the increased willingness of individuals to undergo live kidney donation, coupled with the acceptable outcomes experienced by recipients of laparoscopically procured kidneys justifies the continued development and adoption of this operation.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2000

Graft failure secondary to necrotizing enterocolitis in multi-visceral transplantation recipients: two case reports.

We report on two recipients of multi-visceral grafts who exhibited sudden onset of acute abdomen discomfort 2 weeks post-transplantation after a fairly uneventful immediate post-operative course. Both patients were shown to have pneumatosis intestinalis and one had air in the portal vein. Both patients underwent exploration, which showed non-viable intestine (terminal ileum and colon in the first patient and the entire small intestine distal to the ligament of Treitz in the second patient). There was no vascular thrombosis. The necrotic intestine was resected in both cases. The first patient developed sepsis and died 15 days later despite the rescue efforts. The second patient was re-transplanted twice and is doing well. The histopathology of the segments involved revealed cryptitis, vasculitis, and features of transmural necrosis. Accordingly, both clinical and pathologic features are diagnostic of necrotizing enterocolitis. To our knowledge this is the first report of this complication following intestinal or multi-visceral transplantation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Long-term complete remission and immune tolerance after intensive chemotherapy for lymphoproliferative disorders complicating liver transplant.

BACKGROUND: B cell lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) and liver rejection are major lethal complications after hepatic transplantation. Reduction in immunosuppression is the treatment for the former, but is a risk factor for the latter. METHODS: Here, we report three consecutive children with monoclonal LPD complicating orthotopic liver transplantation. All of them were treated with brief (<4 months) but intensive chemotherapy. RESULTS: These three patients have remained in complete remission for LPD for 18 months to more than 3 years. Aggressive antimicrobial prophylaxis was successful in preventing life-threatening infections. The patient who received the highest cumulative doses of chemotherapy may have also developed relative immune tolerance to the allograft. CONCLUSIONS: High-dose-intensity chemotherapy may be effective in the treatment of monoclonal LPD, as well as in the induction of immune tolerance for the prevention of allograft rejection and LPD recurrence.

Acyclovir↗
PubMed1999

Rational management of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder in pediatric recipients.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a potentially lethal complication in the pediatric transplant patient secondary to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and potent immunosuppression. PTLD may develop in up to 10% of pediatric transplant recipients with mortality rates up to 80%. The authors report their experience with the diagnosis and efficacy of aggressive sequential management of PTLD in five patients under age 5 years. METHODS: A review of 75 pediatric liver transplant recipients on FK-506-based immunosuppression identified five biopsy-proven cases of PTLD and one probable case (8%). The probable case was a teenager, 6 months posttransplant in Spain, with mediastinal masses. No treatment or diagnosis was sought, and the patient died. The other five cases were managed with sequential therapy on an "intent-to-treat" basis with initial withdrawal of immunosuppression. If the disease progressed, patients were treated with four courses of intravenous cyclophosphamide, vincristine, Adriamycin, and intrathecal methotrexate and ara-C. RESULTS: Five children were anti-EBV titer negative at the time of transplant. Three of five received EBV-positive donor organs and two children received EBV-negative livers. Monoclonal PTLD developed between 2 and 31 months posttransplant (mean, 15.7 months). With onset of PTLD (four B cell lymphoma, one B cell leukemia) all patients had tapering or withdrawal of immunosuppression and initiation of highdose acyclovir. Two of five patients had complete remission and resumed immunosuppression. Two patients progressed and required chemotherapy. One patient with initial response relapsed 4 months later with B cell leukemia and required chemotherapy. All five patients are alive 10 to 38 months postdiagnosis (mean, 29 months). Three patients had rejection requiring resumption of FK-506 therapy. Two patients are maintained on low-dose alternate-day prednisone and no FK-506. All patients have normal liver function. Central nervous system lymphoma developed in one child with significant neurological sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: PTLD can develop in pediatric liver transplant recipients. Early withdrawal of immunosuppression and aggressive chemotherapy enabled us to achieve 100% patient and graft survival.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1999

Plasmapheresis, intravenous cytomegalovirus-specific immunoglobulin and reversal of antibody-mediated rejection in a pediatric renal transplant recipient: a case report.

This is a pediatric case report illustrating the development of antibody (Ab)-mediated rejection in a patient with low levels of pretransplant anti-human leucocyte antigen (HLA) panel reactive antibodies (PRA). The clinical course of this patient suggests that aggressive use of a combination of plasmapheresis, monoclonal anti-T-lymphocyte antibody therapy, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy can reverse Ab-mediated rejection in previously allosensitized pediatric transplant recipients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Molecular analysis of the third component of canine complement (C3) and identification of the mutation responsible for hereditary canine C3 deficiency.

Genetically determined deficiency of the third component of complement (C3) in the dog is characterized by a predisposition to recurrent bacterial infections and to type 1 membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. The current studies were undertaken to characterize the cDNA for wild-type canine C3 and identify the molecular basis for hereditary canine C3 deficiency. Amplification, cloning, and sequence analysis indicated that canine C3 is highly conserved in comparison with human, mouse, and guinea pig C3. Southern blot analysis failed to show any gross deletions or rearrangements of DNA from C3-deficient animals. Northern blot analysis indicated that the livers of these animals contain markedly reduced quantities of a normal length C3 mRNA. The full-length 5.1-kb canine C3 cDNA was amplified in overlapping PCR fragments. Sequence analysis of these fragments has shown a deletion of a cytosine at position 2136 (codon 712), leading to a frameshift that generates a stop codon 11 amino acids downstream. The deletion has been confirmed in genomic DNA, and its inheritance has been demonstrated by allele-specific oligonucleotide hybridization.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Local impact of 1995 changes in the renal transplant allocation system.

In 1995, changes to the United Network for Organ Sharing renal allocation system eliminated points for certain HLA matches, increased points for waiting time and for pediatric patients, and extended the mandatory share rule to include the zero-antigen mismatch. We analyzed data, from the period December 1993 to August 1996, on 393 donors, 348 kidney-only cadaveric transplants, and 615 patients ranked first or second on the allocation lists generated for each donor, to assess the effect of the changes in the point system. There was an appreciable (46%) but not significant increase in the frequency of transplants occurring under the mandatory share rule, with a greater relative increase seen in African-Americans than in Caucasians. Recipients of transplants not falling under the mandatory share rule had an increased average waiting time but no increase in sensitization or HLA mismatch, whereas patients ranked at the top of the allocation list had higher levels of sensitization but no increase in waiting time. There was an appreciable increase in the percentage of transplants occurring in African-Americans. Of the various changes we observed, only those involving the mandatory share rule could be attributed to changes in the allocation system, whereas others paralleled changes in the composition of our local waiting list.

Black People↗
PubMed1997

Kaposi's sarcoma presenting as a protracted multisystem illness in an adolescent liver transplant recipient.

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a common malignancy in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), classically appearing as red to purple plaques containing small papules and nodules. We report our experience with an adolescent orthotopic liver transplant recipient who presented with an unusual presentation of KS. The patient had a protracted multisystem illness that began with hemolytic anemia, fevers, and fatigue and progressed to pancreatitis, sinusitis, lymphadenopathy, and mouth ulcers. The diagnosis was made by a lymph node biopsy that was performed to evaluate for Epstein-Barr virus. The classical subcutaneous nodules characteristic of KS did not become evident until shortly before the patient died. We present this case to emphasize that KS in pediatric liver transplant patients can present as a multisystem disease that progresses to disseminated organ involvement before the characteristic subcutaneous manifestations are evident.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Exercise-induced sweat nitrogen excretion: evaluation of a regional collection method using gauze pads.

The exercise-induced sweat nitrogen excretion was investigated during a 45-minute run at moderate intensity on a treadmill. Sweat was collected with a regional collection technique using gauze pads and compared with the whole-body wash-down (WBW) method. In the regional collection, sweat was sampled from the upper back (UB), lower back (LB), abdomen (AB), and thigh (TH). Additionally, the relation of sweat urea, ammonia, and amino acids was investigated with the regional collection method during a second 45-minute run. Independent of the sweat collection method, a significant and positive correlation was found between sweat rate and the excretion rate of the largest nitrogen fraction urea, suggesting that the sweating response to exercise might be one of the most important factors determining absolute sweat nitrogen losses. The urea nitrogen excretion was nearly 140 mg.h-1 in the second run, representing the largest nitrogen fraction. Ammonia nitrogen and amino acid-derived nitrogen rate were approximately 30 mg.h-1 and 10 mg.h-1, respectively. The comparison of the sampling methods during the first run revealed that the urea nitrogen rate was significantly higher, but the ammonia nitrogen rate significantly lower in the WBW. After summing urea and ammonia nitrogen, no significant difference between the methods was observed anymore, except for UB. It is concluded that the regional collection method using gauze pads is a valuable approach to measure exercise-induced sweat nitrogen losses during moderate running exercise.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Initial experience with FK506 (tacrolimus) in pediatric renal transplant recipients.

PURPOSE: The efficacy and safety of the new immunosuppressant agent, FK506 (tacrolimus), was assessed in pediatric renal transplant recipients over a mean 12-month follow-up period. METHODS: Twenty pediatric renal transplant recipients received oral FK506 therapy (0.3 mg/kg/d) in combination with azathioprine (1 to 2 mg/kg/d) and low-dose prednisone as primary therapy (n = 11) or were converted from cyclosporine-based therapy (n = 9) for complications including cyclosporine toxicity (n = 2), acute refractory rejection (n = 4), and chronic rejection (n = 3). Patients were then followed-up prospectively to evaluate effectiveness of therapy and complications. RESULTS: In the primary treatment group, 45% of patients had one or more rejection episodes. Two required OKT3 therapy (18%) for persistent rejection, with one (9%) graft loss at 3 months. All other episodes were treated effectively with FK506 dose adjustment and steroid pulses. Patient and graft survival was 100% and 91%, respectively, at 12 months mean follow-up. In the FK506 conversion group, two teenage girls with intractable acne and hirsutism were converted with complete resolution and no change in renal function. Four patients were converted for acute rejection: two who did not respond to steroid pulse and two who did not respond to both steroids and OKT3. All four grafts were salvaged (mean follow-up, 12 months; mean Creatinine [Cr], 1.1). Three patients were converted for biopsy-proven chronic rejection at 3, 10, and 12 years after transplant (mean Cr, 2.4) with two of three of patients stable with functioning grafts at 1 year after conversion. Complications of FK506 therapy included temporary insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (10%), neurological complications (25%), renal toxicity (15%), and hypertension (85%). There were no cases of gastrointestinal toxicity, hepatic dysfunction, lymphoproliferative disorders, or life threatening viral infection. All symptoms of toxicity responded to dose adjustment. No patient required conversion from FK506 to other agents. CONCLUSION: This early experience indicates that FK506 in combination with low-dose steroids and azathioprine appears to provide safe and effective immunosuppression in the pediatric age group as a primary agent and may salvage grafts in patients with refractory steroid and OKT3 resistant rejection. Graft and patient survival is comparable to that seen with conventional cyclosporine-based immunosuppression.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Steroid withdrawal in tacrolimus (FK506)-treated pediatric liver transplant recipients.

PURPOSE: The use of steroids in pediatric transplant recipients is associated with significant adverse side effects. The authors examined the feasibility of steroid withdrawal in patients who underwent immunosuppression with tacrolimus (FK506; FK). METHODS: All pediatric liver transplant recipients on FK greater than 6 months were evaluated for steroid withdrawal. FK was administered 0.3 mg/kg/d in two divided doses. Steroids were tapered as tolerated with goals of 0.2 to 0.3 mg/kg/d at 6 weeks, 0.2 to 0.3 mg/kg every other day at 3 months, and complete withdrawal after 6 months. Steroid bolus and taper were instituted for enzyme elevation or rejection during biopsy. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients underwent evaluation for steroid withdrawal. Five patients could not be placed on FK506 monotherapy (chronic, recurrent rejection or LPD). The remaining 24 had steroids withdrawn. Tweleve (50%) had no sequelae and continue on FK monotherapy (mean, 22 months off steroids). The other 12 required intermittent steroid therapy for presumed or biopsy-proven rejection (n = 7), graft dysfunction (FK toxicity, n = 2), lymphoproliferative disease necessitating reduction in FK (n = 2) or exacerbations of asthma (n = 1). Five of these 12 patients are now on FK monotherapy (mean, 6 months) for a total of 17 of the 24 (71%) currently off steroids. CONCLUSION: FK monotherapy can be successfully used to withdraw steroid therapy in the majority of pediatric liver transplant recipients with few sequelae.

Graft Rejection↗
PubMed1997

Randomized comparison of ganciclovir plus intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) with IVIG alone for prevention of primary cytomegalovirus disease in children receiving liver transplants.

A randomized placebo-controlled trial was conducted to determine the benefit of ganciclovir (5 mg/[kg x d]) for 30 days in addition to intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) for 16 weeks for prevention of primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in children receiving liver transplants. Patients were monitored for 6 months after transplantation. The two groups of patients (recipients of 29 ganciclovir plus IVIG and 27 recipients of IVIG alone) were similar in terms of age, sex, and underlying disease. The incidence of CMV disease among the ganciclovir plus IVIG recipients and the IVIG alone recipients was 17% and 26%, respectively, and the time to disease in these recipients was 46 days and 32 days, respectively. There was no difference between groups in terms of survival; episodes of rejection, bacteremia, or fungemia; use of immunosuppressive agents; and incidence of leukopenia or thrombocytopenia. These results suggest that a 4-week course of ganciclovir with IVIG is not more effective than IVIG alone for prevention of primary CMV disease. Since short-term prophylaxis with ganciclovir may delay the onset of CMV disease, further studies with a longer course of ganciclovir prophylaxis are warranted.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Lack of evidence for rotavirus by polymerase chain reaction/enzyme immunoassay of hepatobiliary samples from children with biliary atresia.

The purpose of this study was to analyze hepatobiliary samples of patients with biliary atresia for rotavirus groups. A, B, and C, because group A rotavirus had been used to produce an animal model of the disease and group C rotavirus had been found in hepatobiliary samples from one group of patients. Biliary remnants and liver tissue from 10 biliary atresia and 14 control patients with other liver diseases were examined for rotavirus groups A, B, and C using nonisotopic, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction enzyme immunoassay. Biliary atresia patients had a median age of 3 mo and were from a confined geographic area. Rotaviral stocks from groups A and C were used as polymerase chain reaction-positive controls. The limits of detection for rotaviral RNA from these two groups were respectively, 5 plaque-forming units and 50 tissue culture infectious doses (ID50). Tissue culture was 100-fold less sensitive for groups A and C than the polymerase chain reaction. The nested nonisotopic probes hybridized in solution only with their homologous target DNAs as determined by the enzyme immunoassay, or by Southern blot hybridization. Although it was possible to detect mRNA from a beta-actin housekeeping gene in all of the hepatobiliary samples, no evidence of rotaviral RNA was found in either the biliary atresia or the negative control group. In conclusion, rotavirus is not a common viral etiology of biliary atresia.

Adolescent↗