Predicting factor of quality of life in long-term jaundice-free survivors after the Kasai operation

Background/Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine simple predictors for quality of life (QOL) in long-term jaundice-free survivors after the Kasai operation. Methods: Kasai's original portoenterostomy was performed on 55 patients with biliary atresia. Among them, records were reviewed retrospectively of 35 long-term (at least 5 years) and jaundice-free (clearance in bilirubin level less than 1.0 mg/dL after Kasai operation) survivors. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on QOL, and the differences in clinical and laboratory data were analyzed statistically. Results: The ages at Kasai operation, histologic, fibrosis grade of liver biopsy specimen at operation, the first onset and frequency of postoperative cholangitis, and postoperative clearance speed of jaundice after Kasai operation were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level at 1 year was significantly correlated with the serum concentration of hyaluronic acid and an independent predictor for QOL in long-term jaundice-free survivors of the Kasai operation. Conclusions: The serum AST level at 1 year was a simple, strong predicting factor of QOL and liver dysfunction in long-term jaundice-free survivors after Kasai operation and may prove useful in planning liver transplantation. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.