Continuation of the Childhood Liver Disease Research Network - Seattle Clinical Center

Biliary atresia (BA) and the other childhood cholestatic liver diseases are significant causes of chronic liver disease in children, and the leading causes for liver transplantation in pediatrics. The initial funding periods leading to the current Childhood Liver Disease Research Network (ChiLDReN) have resulted in unprecedented collections of well-phenotyped subjects, banked data, and biological specimens. Ongoing recruitment of subjects with these rare conditions is critical to allow full attainment to the Study Aims. Socioeconomic and ethnic diversity inclusion is crucial to support meaningful investigation into the pathogenesis of these diseases and the identification of generalizable management strategies. This next funding period will support these ongoing studies, which has broadened since the initial conception of this liver network from biliary atresia to include primary sclerosing cholangitis. The Seattle Children’s Clinical Center (CC) has the experience, expertise and proven track record essential for ongoing participation in ChiLDReN. Seattle Children’s has the expected volume of patients over time from a unique demographic spectrum, with indigenous populations inclusive of Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. We are well-poised to contribute outcome data for the participants enrolled in the legacy studies over the past 15 years with the variety of diseases studied by the ChiLDReN network. Furthermore, our enthusiastic recruitment strategies will be critical for the network as we focus on studying biliary atresia and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Our strong Center for Clinical and Translational Research has all the elements necessary to successfully support partnership with pharmaceutical companies or support additional ancillary studies that will complement the Network’s initiatives.