About this topic
Biliary atresia, or BA, is a liver problem that happen before or shortly after a baby is born. With this problem, the bile ducts, which are small tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder, are blocked. This damages the liver. ‚
Normally, your liver makes bile that moves through the bile ducts from the liver to the gall bladder where it is stored. When you eat, bile is released into your bowels to help breakdown the food and to help you absorb fat. ‚
Some babies with BA do not have any other problems. Other babies with BA may have other issues at birth like: ‚
- Spleen problems
- Heart problems
- Bowel problems
- Kidney problems
What are the causes?
Doctors do not know exactly what causes biliary atresia. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes. his may not happen until a few weeks after your baby is born.
- Losing weight. Some babies may gain weight right after being born, but will often start to lose weight or gain weight very slowly after the first month of life.
- Dark colored urine
- Stools that are pale or gray in color
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will ask about your babys history and do an exam. The doctor will check your baby's belly to see if the liver is large. The doctor will also check for tenderness. Your baby may need to have: ‚
- Lab tests
- Ultrasound
- CT or MRI scan
- X-rays of the liver and gallbladder
- Liver scan
- Liver biopsy
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Babies with BA will need to have surgery to correct the flow of bile into the small bowel. Doctors may do a surgery to help correct the flow of bile for a short time. Eventually, your doctor may need to do a liver transplant. Some babies need this in the first couple of years. Other times, your child may not need a liver transplant for years. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help break down foods
- Help with nutrition
- Prevent infection
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Fluid in the belly
- Need for a liver transplant
- Poor nutrition
Where can I learn more?
American Liver Foundation ‚
http://www.liverfoundation.org/abouttheliver/info/biliaryatresia/ ‚
Children 's Liver Disease Foundation ‚
http://www.childliverdisease.org/Information/Medical-stuff/Information-on-liver-diseases/Biliary-Atresia ‚
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease ‚
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/liver-disease/biliary-atresia/Pages/facts.aspx ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-11-30 ‚
List_set bdysylist
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚