Differential hepatic expression of CD56 can discriminate biliary atresia from other neonatal cholestatic disorders.

Objectives: The diagnosis of biliary atresia (BA) can be challenging as its histopathologic features overlap with those of other pediatric cholestatic liver diseases. We aimed to study the diagnostic value of hepatic CD56 immunostaining in the differentiation of BA from other causes of neonatal cholestasis.

Methods: Hepatic CD56 immunostaining was investigated in 30 infants with BA and compared with that in 30 infants with non-BA cholestatic disorders.