Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis: A case with improvement in liver tests and growth following partial external biliary diversion.

A 2(1/2)-year-old boy presented with pruritus and jaundice of 2 weeks duration. On investigation, serum total bilirubin was 23.4 mg/dL and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase was normal. Liver biopsy was consistent with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC). A partial external biliary diversion (PEBD) was done. Pruritus disappeared, growth improved and serum total bilirubin became normal, 2 months after surgery. This is the first report from India, of PFIC treated with PEBD and suggests that PEBD should be considered in patients with PFIC even if bridging fibrosis is present.