Biliary Atresia
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Biliary atresia
is a disease that damages an infant's liver before or shortly after birth. Bile ducts carry bile from your baby's liver to his or her small intestines. Bile helps digest food. When your baby's bile ducts are damaged, bile is trapped in the liver. This can cause cirrhosis (scarring), swelling, and advance to liver failure. The cause of biliary atresia is not known. Biliary atresia can be life-threatening if not treated or if treatment is delayed.
Common signs and symptoms of biliary atresia:
Your baby may appear normal at birth. Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) appears within the first 90 days of life. Your baby may also have any of the following symptoms:
- Weight loss or poor growth
- Discomfort or irritability
- Foul-smelling, white, or clay-colored bowel movements
- Dark urine
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- Your baby has trouble breathing, or his or her lips and fingernails are turning blue.
- Your baby has a seizure.
Seek immediate care if:
- Your baby has more jaundice (yellow skin or eyes) than before.
- Your baby is not able to eat or drink, or is urinating less or not at all.
- Your baby looks very weak or sleeps more than usual.
- Your baby's vomit has blood in it.
Call your baby's doctor if:
- Your baby has a fever.
- Your baby is irritable and crying more than usual.
- Your baby's skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
- You have questions or concerns about your baby's condition or care.
Treatment:
Surgery is done to bypass the damaged ducts and connect the liver to your baby's small intestine. This new duct allows bile to pass from the liver into the intestine. A liver transplant may be needed if the liver is severely damaged and does not work properly. Ask your baby's healthcare provider for more information about liver transplants.
Nutrition:
A dietitian will talk to you about your baby's feeding and nutrition. Ask if you can breastfeed your baby or which formula you should feed him or her. Also ask for more information if your baby needs high-calorie feedings through a nasogastric (NG) tube.
Follow up with your baby's doctor as directed:
Your baby will need to return for monitoring of his or her symptoms, nutrition, and growth. He or she will also need more testing. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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