Biomarkers in biliary atresia – an elusive promise of predicting outcome

Abstract Research on biomarkers in BA promises to predict and change outcomes in BA. This goal is still unrealized at the moment. The study by Kamp et al attempts to understand the drivers of fibrosis and elucidate the role of amyloid-related genes in the pathophysiology of BA. Based on this, they attempt to predict outcomes in BA using biomarkers by analysing plasma samples for amyloid precursor protein. There is a need to evaluate if shifting the focus from pre-KPE biomarkers to post-KPE biomarkers, serial evaluations and the use of composite scores could help in better prognostication.