Semiquantitative Histomorphological Grading Of Tissue MMP-7 Immunohistochemical Expression In Pediatric Biliary Atresia: A Clinicopathological Study

Abstract

Liver biopsy remains fundamental in the evaluation of neonatal cholestasis. Characteristic histopathological features, including bile duct proliferation, bile plugs, portal stromal oedema, ductular reaction, and portal fibrosis, offer important diagnostic clues for biliary atresia (BA) [1].

Preoperative liver biopsy demonstrates high accuracy in distinguishing BA from other causes of neonatal cholestasis and guides surgical management [2].

Biliary atresia is a progressive fibro-obliterative cholangiopathy of infancy. In the absence of treatment, it represents the leading indication for paediatric liver transplantation [3].

Despite significant advances in understanding the disease, the precise aetiology of BA remains unclear. Current evidence indicates contributions from genetic, developmental, immune-mediated, and environmental factors [4].