Comprehensive analyses of neurodevelopmental outcomes and quality of life of children with biliary atresia.

OBJECTIVES

To holistically evaluate neurodevelopmental outcomes and quality of life (QOL) of Japanese patients with biliary atresia (BA) and to investigate the factors associated with the outcomes.

METHODS

This study enrolled patients with BA aged 5-18 years who visited Osaka University Hospital in 2021. Neurodevelopmental assessments were performed to evaluate intellectual ability, cognitive functions and adaptive skill levels. Furthermore, emotional and behavioral issues, characteristics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and QOL were concomitantly assessed in the same cohort. Biochemical and social factors associated with the results were examined.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients, with a median age of 11.2 years were included in the analyses. Patients with BA had a significantly lower Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient or developmental quotient (FSIQ/DQ) score and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS) composite score than the general Japanese population. Household education level and short stature were associated with low and borderline FSIQ/DQ and VABS composite scores, respectively. Among patients with low and borderline FSIQ/DQ scores, those with average or high VABS composite scores received significantly less neuroeducational care than those with low and borderline VABS composite scores. Despite the low FSIQ/DQ and VABS composite scores, the total QOL scores were higher than those of the general population.

CONCLUSION

Patients with BA had intellectual and behavioral impairments. Notably, patients with intellectual impairments are overlooked and not followed up, especially if adaptive skills are maintained.