Abundant Expression of Lysyl Oxidase-like 2 Protein in Intrahepatic Bile Ducts of Infants With Biliary Atresia.

Introduction: Biliary atresia (BA) is characterized by rapidly progressive inflammation and fibrosis of the biliary tract, which usually progresses despite surgical intervention (Kasai hepatoportoenterostomy). Lysyl oxidase-like (LOXL2) is an extracellular matrix enzyme that catalyzes the cross-linking of fibrillar collagen and elastin and is thought to play a crucial role in tissue fibrosis; anti-LOXL2 drugs have been shown to be antifibrotic in animals.

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the presence of LOXL2 in BA livers and hepatic and extrahepatic control tissues.

Successful treatment with oral valganciclovir of primary CMV enterocolitis in a congenitally infected infant.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common congenitally acquired viral infection in the United States and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Primary CMV enterocolitis is well documented in immunocompromised patients, but remains rare in congenitally acquired infections. There are no universally accepted recommendations for the treatment of CMV enterocolitis in the pediatric population.