Design and validation of a diagnostic score for biliary atresia.

Background & Aims: The dilemma of early diagnosis of biliary Atresia (BA), particularly distinguishing it from other causes of neonatal cholestasis is challenging. The aim was to design and validate a scoring system for early discrimination of BA from other causes of neonatal cholestasis.

Methods: A twelve-point scoring system was proposed according to clinical, laboratory, ultrasonographic, and histopathological parameters.

Lipocalin-2 as a marker of bacterial infections in chronic liver disease: a study in Egyptian children.

Bacterial infections are common in chronic liver disease, and may precipitate other complications, such as encephalopathy and hepatorenal syndrome. The physiologic functions of lipocalin-2 remain poorly understood. Our aim was to elucidate lipocalin-2 as a useful marker of bacterial infections in children with CLD.