Ethnic Disparity in the Incidence and Outcome of Biliary Atresia in New Zealand

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2018 Feb;66(2):218-221. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000001781.

Abstract

To determine incidence and outcome of biliary atresia (BA) between ethnic groups in New Zealand (NZ), a retrospective review was undertaken of children with BA born between 2002 and 2014. Prioritized ethnicity was used to determine ethnicity and was compared to population data. Uni- and multivariate analyses were undertaken to determine demographic and biochemical factors associated with outcome. Overall incidence was 1 in 9181 (Māori 1 in 5285; European 1 in 16,228; P < 0.0001). Overall and transplant-free survival rates at 1, 2, and 5 years were 92%, 86%, 82% and 70%, 49%, 30% respectively with Māori having improved transplant-free survival (P < 0.05) despite European children undergoing Kasai earlier (49 vs 63 days). BA is more common in NZ than Europe and North America, which is attributable to a higher incidence in Māori but overall outcome is poorer. Māori have improved transplant-free survival compared to NZ European children but the reason is unknown.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biliary Atresia / ethnology*
  • Biliary Atresia / mortality
  • Child
  • Ethnicity
  • Female
  • Health Status Disparities*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Liver Transplantation / statistics & numerical data
  • Male
  • New Zealand / epidemiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Survival Rate