Alagille Syndrome: Diagnostic Challenges and Advances in Management

Alagille syndrome (ALGS) is a multisystem disease characterized by cholestasis and bile duct paucity on liver biopsy in addition to variable involvement of the heart, eyes, skeleton, face, kidneys, and vasculature. The identification of <i>JAG1</i> and <i>NOTCH2</i> as diseas...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Mohammed D. Ayoub, Binita M. Kamath
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-11-01
Series:Diagnostics
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/10/11/907
Description
Summary:Alagille syndrome (ALGS) is a multisystem disease characterized by cholestasis and bile duct paucity on liver biopsy in addition to variable involvement of the heart, eyes, skeleton, face, kidneys, and vasculature. The identification of <i>JAG1</i> and <i>NOTCH2</i> as disease-causing genes has deepened our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying ALGS. However, the variable expressivity of the clinical phenotype and the lack of genotype-phenotype relationships creates significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical characteristics and management of ALGS, and the molecular basis of ALGS pathobiology. We further describe unique diagnostic considerations that pose challenges to clinicians and outline therapeutic concepts and treatment targets that may be available in the near future.
ISSN:2075-4418