Increased serum glypican-3 is associated with liver stiffness and hepatic dysfunction in children with biliary atresia

Abstract

Aim of the studyBiliary atresia (BA) is an uncommon disorder of the liver and bile ducts affecting infants and is characterized by progressive fibrosclerosing obstruction of the extrahepatic biliary tree leading to end-stage liver failure. The purpose of this study was to determine serum glypican-3 (GPC3) levels and liver stiffness in children with BA and the correlation of glypican-3 with clinical parameters.Material and methodsSeventy-five post-Kasai BA patients and 28 healthy age-matched controls were registered. Serum GPC3 levels were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Liver stiffness measurement was analyzed by transient elastography.ResultsBA patients had significantly greater serum GPC3 and liver stiffness values than controls (p < 0.001). Serum GPC3 and liver stiffness values were significantly higher in jaundiced BA patients than in non-jaundiced BA patients (p < 0.001). Additionally, serum glypican-3 was associated with liver stiffness and serum total bilirubin (p < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsElevated serum GPC3 levels were associated with hepatic dysfunction and the severity of BA. As a result, serum GPC3 and liver stiffness might serve as biomarkers reflecting the deterioration of hepatic function and the outcome in post-Kasai BA.