Biliary Atresia
Biliary Atresia : A Rare but Serious Liver Condition
Biliary atresia is a rare and life-threatening condition that affects bile ducts present inside and outside the liver in infants. It is characterized by the blockage bile ducts, which prevents bile—a digestive fluid produced by the liver—from flowing into the small intestine. The bile accumulation in the liver, causes
damage and scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver over time.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of biliary atresia remains unknown. It may be congenital, meaning present at birth, or
acquired due to factors such as viral infections, or autoimmune responses. The condition affects
approximately 1 in 10,000 to 15,000 live births.
Symptoms
Symptoms of biliary atresia typically appear within the first few weeks of life. Early signs include:
1.Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) that persists beyond the first 15 days of life.
Pale or clay/white-colored stools.
2.Dark urine staining baby’s diaper
3. Enlarged liver or spleen.
As the condition progresses, infants may experience poor weight gain, irritability, swelling of abdomen
and severe itching due to bile salt buildup in the bloodstream.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing biliary atresia involves a combination of physical examinations, blood tests, ultrasound scan,
and sometimes a liver biopsy. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent irreversible liver damage.
Biliary atresia screening with the stool color card:
CHECK BABY’S STOOL COLOUR EVERY DAY FOR THE FIRST MONTH AFTER BIRTH TO SCREEN FOR
BILIARY ATRESIA
If at any time during the first month if the baby has an abnormal stool color (see above colors #1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6), Consult a Pediatric Liver Specialist
Treatment
The primary treatment for biliary atresia is the Kasai procedure, a surgery that creates a new pathway
for bile drainage by connecting the liver to the small intestine. While this procedure can improve bile
flow and delay the progression of liver damage, it is not a cure. Many children eventually require a liver
transplant, which offers the best long-term outcome.
Prognosis
With advancements in medical care, children with biliary atresia can lead healthy lives, especially after a
successful liver transplant.
Biliary atresia highlights the importance of early detection and intervention in managing rare pediatric
conditions. Continued research is vital to uncover its underlying causes and improve treatment