May 19, 2020
Dr. Bezerra specializes in
biliary atresia research. It's the single most common cause of
end-stage
liver disease in children and the number one indication for
pediatric liver transplants.
He explains to listeners
Jorge A. Bezerra is Director of
the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and
Medical Director of the Pediatric Liver Care Center at the
University of Cincinnati. He is also a professor in the Department
of Pediatrics.
In this podcast, he carefully explains the progression of pediatric
biliary atresia and research addressing this
disease of the liver. He tells listeners that this indicates a
closure or obstruction of the liver's biliary ducts in the first
three months after birth. In the first few weeks of life, parents
notice yellow jaundice in the infant's eyes and pale stools. He
remarks that immediate treatment including surgery offers the most
benefit.
He then explains a few gastroenterology hypothesizes for when this actually starts. A recent study found that babies that develop this disease often have slightly abnormal bilirubin increases at birth, which indicates that it most likely is a prenatal disease. He adds that if a baby is diagnosed early and taken to surgery, there's a much higher possibility that surgery will work.
He finishes with several breakthroughs in treating this disease and means of testing. For example, researchers have developed a novel test that can be given very early with fast results. Testing normally requires a liver biopsy and as long as two weeks for results. He also talks about liver organoid research that has led to a new way to treat the epithelial cells of the ducts.
For more, see his lab's website: https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/research/divisions/g/gastroenterology/labs/bezerra.