Cholestasis and cholestatic syndromes.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review focuses on the recent advances in cholestatic liver diseases. While there is an emphasis placed on translational and treatment-focused studies, basic science studies with the greatest impact on the field are also covered.

RECENT FINDINGS: Highlights include new discoveries for the role of the farsenoid X receptor and sodium-dependent taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide; new insights into the pathogenesis of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1, biliary atresia, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, and primary biliary cirrhosis; new information for assessing prognosis in biliary atresia and primary biliary cirrhosis; and important clinical trials in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis.

SUMMARY: The studies of 2006 have furthered our understanding of cholestasis and cholestatic syndromes. While we continue to add to our knowledge of pathogenesis and treatment for many of these diseases, much work remains.