Biliary Atresia

Biliary Atresia

In newborn infants with biliary atresia, the flow of bile from the liver to the small intestine is obstructed. When bile cannot flow to the small intestine in infants with biliary atresia, it accumulates up in the liver and harms it. Surgery is the major form of therapy.

In newborn infants with biliary atresia, the flow of bile from the liver to the small intestine is obstructed. The liver produces and excretes a fluid called bile. It originates in the liver and travels through a system of tubes-like organs called bile ducts to the small intestine, where it aids in the body's digestion and absorption of food.

The bile ducts are obstructed in children with biliary atresia as a result of injury and scarring. Bile cannot go to the small intestine as a result. Instead, it accumulates and harms the liver.

What are the symptoms of biliary atresia?

Jaundice, a disease in which there is too much bilirubin in the blood, or the appearance of yellow skin and eyes, is the first indicator of biliary atresia. A chemical called bilirubin is created when red blood cells degrade. Jaundice is a common condition in the first week of life for babies, but if it persists after two weeks, a doctor should be consulted.

Other signs and symptoms of biliary atresia include:

  • Stools in light beige Infants typically have yellow, green, or brown stools.
  • A bloated stomach (as the liver and spleen expand)
  • Having trouble gaining weight
  • Ascites (abdominal fluid)