Serum Adiponectin and Liver Stiffness in Biliary Atresia Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Honsawek Sittisak, Chayanupatkul Maneerat, Chongsrisawat Voranush, Theamboonlers Apiradee, Praianantathavorn Kesmanee, Udomsinprasert Wanvisa, Vejchapipat Paisarn, Poovorawan Yong
Primary Institution: Chulalongkorn University
Hypothesis
Serum adiponectin could be associated with the severity of clinical outcomes and liver stiffness in biliary atresia patients.
Conclusion
Serum adiponectin and liver stiffness values were higher in biliary atresia patients compared to normal participants, indicating their potential as non-invasive biomarkers for monitoring disease severity.
Supporting Evidence
- BA patients had higher serum adiponectin levels compared to controls (15.5 vs. 11.1 μg/ml, P = 0.03).
- Serum adiponectin levels were significantly higher in BA patients with jaundice compared to those without (24.4 vs. 11.0 μg/ml, P < 0.001).
- Liver stiffness scores were significantly higher in BA patients compared to controls (30.1 vs. 5.1 kPa, P < 0.001).
Takeaway
This study found that kids with a liver problem called biliary atresia have higher levels of a substance called adiponectin in their blood, which can help doctors understand how sick their liver is.
Methodology
The study involved 60 biliary atresia patients and 20 healthy controls, measuring serum adiponectin levels and liver stiffness using transient elastography.
Potential Biases
The study was conducted at a single tertiary care center, which may limit generalizability.
Limitations
The sample size was small, and the study was cross-sectional, limiting causal inferences.
Participant Demographics
60 biliary atresia patients (32 girls, 28 boys) and 20 healthy controls (10 girls, 10 boys), mean ages 9.6 and 10.1 years respectively.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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