Scientists hunt for genetic clues to biliary atresia, top cause of liver transplants in kids
NCT ID NCT03273049
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Aug 11, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study aims to uncover the genetic and developmental causes of biliary atresia, a rare condition that leads to liver failure in newborns and accounts for half of all childhood liver transplants worldwide. Researchers will analyze DNA from 1,100 children who have had or need a liver transplant due to biliary atresia. By identifying key genes and pathways, they hope to better understand why the disease occurs and potentially guide future treatments.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this research could uncover the genetic roots of biliary atresia, pointing toward better ways to diagnose or treat this rare liver disease in children.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It may not directly lead to new therapies, and findings might not apply to all patients.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 1,100 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jul 2016
- Expected to finish
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Jul 2035
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Individuals who have had a liver transplantation due to a diagnosis of biliary atresia.
- Ages
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Children (under 18), adults (18 to 64) and older adults (65 and over)
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * living individuals who were diagnosed with Biliary Atresia and received or are about to receive a liver transplant from multiple participating centers (Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Kings College Hospital, Children's Hospital of Birmingham, and Hospital Sírio-Libanês). Exclusion Criteria: * No child participant in the care of the state will be enrolled, nor will patients in the care of temporary or informal guardians be enrolled
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
RECRUITINGPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15224, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can stem cells help infants with biliary atresia avoid a liver transplant?
- A drop of blood could spot a deadly liver disease in newborns
- What drives a rare liver disease in newborns? a genetic deep dive aims to find out
- Diaper photos may spot hidden liver disease in babies
- Could daily antibiotics shield babies from Post-Surgery infections?
- Glowing poop test could spot rare infant liver disease