Treating Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Biliary Atresia With Vancomycin

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is twofold. First, is to determine whether vancomycin is effective in the early treatment of Biliary Atresia (BA) and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), and if so, by what mechanism. Secondly, to characterize human intestinal microbial communities and their interactions with the host.

Detailed Description
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Investigators hope to learn to characterize human intestinal microbial communities (microbiome: the collection or collectivity of microorganisms) using molecular methods, examine the mechanisms of interaction between host and microbiome using genomic approaches, and determine how the microbiome both preserves local health and promotes pathology. Investigation will focus on primary sclerosing cholangitis, biliary atresia, as well as states of health. The composition of the associated microbiome will be assessed based on ribosomal DNA and RNA sequences, and attention will be given to richness (diversity), evenness (relative abundance), and variation with respect to time, person, and anatomic niche. Host response at the adjacent mucosal surface will be assessed based on genome-wide gene expression patterns. In addition, changes in the metabolites of the blood will be analyzed. To see if the antibiotic vancomycin, when used for the early treatment of Biliary Atresia (BA) and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) is effective treatment for these diseases. Investigators hope to learn what effect Vancomycin has on the bacteria that are present in stool, body fluid or intestinal tissue on someone who has BA and PSC and if so by what mechanism.

Official Title
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The Human Gastrointestinal Tract Microbiota in the Setting of Treating Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Biliary Atresia With Vancomycin

Conditions
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Biliary Atresia, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Intervention / Treatment
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* Drug: Oral Vancomycin


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Persons who have primary sclerosing cholangitis, biliary atresia, a chronic intestinal disorder or who are undergoing upper or lower endoscopy. Persons who have primary sclerosing cholangitis or biliary atresia who are good candidates for vancomycin therapy. Exclusion Criteria: Patients that have taken antibiotics and/or immunomodulators within the last 3 months will be excluded as this will alter the original bacterial flora. Females who are pregnant may not participate.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 2 Weeks
Maximum Age: 40 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Oral Vancomycin<br>Every participant with PSC or BA will received the same Arm of Oral Vancomycin | Drug: Oral Vancomycin<br>* Oral Vancomycin is given to PSC or BA participants<br>* Other names: ANI;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Determine the benefit of oral vancomycin therapy for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Biliary Atresia | Blood tests, imaging studies and/or liver biopsy changes before and while on oral vancomycin will determine the benefit of the treatment. | 3 months |