Biliary atresia (BA) is a severe liver disease that leads to cirrhosis and life-threatening complications. While the Kasai procedure extends survival, many patients eventually require liver transplantation. Cell therapy has emerged as a promising alternative, aiming to delay or prevent the need for transplantation by improving liver function. Animal studies have shown that bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) promote liver regeneration and reduce fibrosis. Clinically, children with BA receiving BMMNC infusions alongside the Kasai procedure had significantly improved liver function and survival rates compared to those who underwent the procedure alone. In our study, 19 children suffering liver cirrhosis were treated with autologousBMMNCs post-Kasai surgery. Twelve months post-infusion, 75% of patients exhibited normalized bilirubin levels, 31% had normal transaminase levels, and the mean Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease (PELD) score decreased significantly. Importantly, 18 out of 19 patients survived 1 year after the first infusion, showing the potential of cell therapy to improve liver function and delay the need for transplantation in BA patients. These findings underscore the promise of cell-based therapies for improving outcomes in BA.
