A drop of blood could spot a deadly liver disease in newborns
NCT ID NCT03898765
First seen Jul 31, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026
Summary
This trial is testing whether a dry blood spot test—using a tiny sample from a newborn's heel—can screen for biliary atresia, a serious liver condition that blocks bile flow. The test measures certain biomarkers (direct bilirubin, γ-GT, and MMP-7) that may be elevated in affected babies. The goal is to enable earlier diagnosis and treatment, which could improve survival. The study will include newborns born in Shanghai.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Dry blood spot screening measuring biomarkers (direct bilirubin, γ-GT, MMP-7)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to a routine newborn screening test that catches biliary atresia early, potentially saving lives through timely surgery.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage diagnostic study, and the test may not be accurate enough for widespread use. False positives or negatives could occur, and more research is needed before it becomes standard.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Shanghai Xinhua Hospital, affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine
Shanghai, China
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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