Predictors of Need for Liver Transplantation in Children Undergoing Hepatoportoenterostomy for Biliary Atresia

Retrospective study of 81 biliary atresia patients undergoing hepatoportoenterostomy identifies elevated total bilirubin >2mg/dL as a significant predictor of subsequent liver transplantation need. With 44% requiring transplant at median 8.9 months post-procedure and 10-year transplant-free survival of 36%, findings suggest bilirubin levels may guide prognosis and transplant planning.