The following variables were considered to be the most significant according to the discriminant analysis test in the discrimination between IHC and EHC, in decreasing order of the coefficient value of the canonical discriminant function: periportal ductal proliferation, portal ductal proliferation, portal expansion, cholestasis in neoductules, portal cholestasis, foci of myeloid metaplasia, portal-portal bridges, focal necrosis, cholestasis in canaliculi, periductal fibrosis and portal-central bridges (Table 1). Figure 1a represents the variables which indicate intrahepatic cholestasis. Since coefficients around 0.3000 (20) are considered significant in the discriminant analysis test, the variables from 8 to 11 in Table 1 contribute little to the histopathological differential diagnosis of neonatal cholestasis. The canonical correlation of the test was 0.9237 and the test significance was 88.24%. We can see that the sixth variable, foci of myeloid metaplasia, shows a canonical discriminant function coefficient with a plus, thus being the only variable related to the diagnosis of a nonobstructive intrahepatic cause; the remaining variables, with a minus, point to an EHC diagnosis. Figure 1b represents the myeloid metaplasia variable.
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