The Age-stratified Cost of Biliary Atresia: A MarketScan®-Based Cost Analysis

jpedsurg.org

Biliary atresia (BA) is the leading cause of childhood liver failure requiring liver transplantation. Early diagnosis and Kasai portoenterostomy (KP) offer the only opportunity to avoid liver failure and transplantation. This study aimed to assess BA healthcare costs in the United States. We hypothesized that patients who underwent KP before 60 days of age would incur lower healthcare costs than patients who underwent KP at 60 days or older.

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Article · Feb 2025 · 1 min read

In brief

This cost-analysis study examines healthcare expenditures for biliary atresia patients in the U.S., comparing outcomes based on timing of Kasai portoenterostomy. The research investigates whether early surgical intervention (before 60 days) reduces overall costs by potentially preventing liver failure and transplantation.

Biliary atresia is the leading cause of pediatric liver failure requiring transplantation in the US.
Kasai portoenterostomy before 60 days of age may reduce overall healthcare costs compared to later intervention.
Early diagnosis of BA is critical to optimize surgical timing and potentially avoid liver transplantation.
Healthcare cost analysis supports the clinical imperative for rapid diagnostic workup in neonatal cholestasis.
Age at Kasai procedure is a key economic and clinical outcome determinant in biliary atresia management.

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