Universal screening for biliary atresia using an infant stool color card in Taiwan

Cheng Hui Hsiao, Mei Hwei Chang, Huey Ling Chen, Hung Chang Lee, Tzee Chung Wu, Chieh Chung Lin, Yao Jong Yang, An Chyi Chen, Mao Meng Tiao, Beng Huat Lau, Chia Hsiang Chu, Ming Wei Lai, Shiun Bin Fang, Wan Hsin Wen, Yu Hsien Wang, Ke Sheng Wang, Chien Sheng Shih, Chun Hsien Yu, Kun Mei Lee, I. Hsien LeeLung Huang Lin, Wen Terng Lin, Yu Cheng Lin, Yu Kung Chou, Hsiang Hung Shih, Pi Feng Chang, Cheng Hsing Fan, Yu Chang Hsu, Ching Fing Huang, I. Fei Huang, Miao Ling Huang, Kuo Ting Tang, Chun Yan Yeung, Jiun Nan Yeh, Ming Hua Chen, Hui Wen Chen, Shan Ming Chen, Te Jen Chen, Man Kuang Lai, Ya Huei Tsai, Te Kuei Hsieh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

269 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Biliary atresia is the most common cause of death from liver disease in children. Although the Kasai operation before 60 days of age can significantly improve prognosis, delay in referral and surgery remains a formidable problem worldwide because of difficulties in differentiating it from benign prolonged neonatal jaundice. We established a universal screening system using an infant stool color card to promote the early diagnosis and treatment of biliary atresia. After a pilot regional study in 2002-2003, a national stool color screening system was established by integrating the infant stool color card into the child health booklet given to every neonate in Taiwan since 2004. Within 24 hours of the discovery of an abnormal stool color, this event is reported to the registry center. The annual incidence of biliary atresia per 10,000 live births in 2004 and 2005 was 1.85 (40/216,419) and 1.70 (35/205,854), respectively. The sensitivity of detecting biliary atresia using stool cards before 60 days of age was 72.5% in 2004, which improved to 97.1% in 2005. The national rate of the Kasai operation before 60 days of age increased from 60% in 2004 to 74.3% in 2005. The jaundice-free rate (<2 mg/dL) at 3 months after the Kasai operation among infants with biliary atresia in 2004-2005 was 59.5% (44 of 74), significantly higher than the historical data of 37.0% in 1976-2000 before the stool card screening program (P = 0.002). Conclusion: Universal screening using the stool color cards can enhance earlier referral, which may ultimately lead to timely performance of the Kasai operation and better postoperative outcome in infants with biliary atresia.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1233-1240
Number of pages8
JournalHepatology
Volume47
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008 Apr

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Hepatology

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