The developmental status of children undergoing the Kasai procedure for biliary atresia.

Children with biliary atresia who have undergone the Kasai procedure suffer prolonged illness and recurrent hospitalizations, both of which may interfere with normal growth and development. The developmental status of 20 children with this disorder is described. The mean cognitive developmental quotient of the entire group of children was within the normal range. The mean motor developmental quotient was within the borderline normal range. The developmental test results suggested an interesting pattern of development including normal cognitive and motor development until the age of 6 to 8 months, followed by a decreasing rate of development between ages 8 and 24 months with the potential for improved developmental outcome at the age of school entry. The overall developmental status of these children was better than might be expected considering the numerous high-risk medical/surgical and social/emotional stresses that these children must face. The effort required in the care of children with this disorder certainly seems warranted by their subsequent developmental outcome.