Does the identity of the bacteria matter in post-Kasai cholangitis? A comparison between simple and intractable cholangitis.

PURPOSE: This study compared the bacteriology and clinical outcomes between simple (SC) and intractable cholangitis (IC) after Kasai operation.

METHODS

Post-Kasai patients (n = 192) from 1980 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The results of blood culture and clinical outcomes between the patients with SC and IC were compared.

MAIN

RESULTS

A total of 102 cholangitic episodes in 68 patients were analyzed (SC vs IC = 76 vs 26). There were more IC episodes within the first year of Kasai operation (SC vs IC = 36.8% vs 61.5%, p = 0.022). The most common bacteria identified in SC and IC groups were Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Until the latest follow up, the native liver survival rates in patients with SC and IC were 75.0% and 50.0% (p = 0.89). Among the patients with IC, the native liver survival rate was significantly better in those with a positive culture (100% vs 20%, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Intractable cholangitis is a common complication within the first year of Kasai operation and may be caused by a different spectrum of organisms. The identification of the bacteria by blood culturing may result in a better treatment outcome.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.