Hepatic Histopathology in Urea Cycle Disorders

Hepatic Histopathology in Urea Cycle Disorders

This is a multi-site, retrospective chart review as well as a prospective study to evaluate histopathologic findings in liver samples from individuals with any UCD diagnosis. This study will be conducted at all Urea Cycle Disorders Consortium (UCDC) sites: Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX and Children's National Medical Center in Washington D.C.

Urea cycle disorders (UCDs) are among the most common inborn errors of liver metabolism. With early diagnosis and improved treatments, the survival of individuals with UCDs has improved, and this improved survival has led to unmasking of some long-term complications such as hepatic dysfunction and progressive fibrosis in a subset of patients. Hepatic complications in UCDs are quite variable and dependent upon the specific metabolic defect.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of primary urea cycle disorder based on clinical suspicion confirmed by enzyme activity, DNA testing or metabolite analysis.
• History of liver transplantation and/or liver biopsy OR
• Planned liver transplantation and/or liver biopsy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unavailability of histopathology report from the liver biopsy or explant, or unavailability of liver tissue or slides from the biopsy or explant OR
• Anticipated inability to obtain pathology report, liver disease, tissue blocks, or pathology slides after liver biopsy or transplantation
• Known history of a secondary cause for liver disease such as chronic viral hepatitis, autoimmune liver disease, short gut, small bowel syndrome, alcohol liver disease, or TPN-related cholestatic disease