What is Biliary Atresia?
Biliary atresia is a rare but serious liver condition that affects infants. It involves the abnormal development or absence of the bile ducts, which are crucial for carrying bile from the liver to the small intestine.
Bile is a digestive fluid that helps break down fats and is essential for normal digestion. When the bile ducts are blocked or absent, bile accumulates in the liver, leading to liver damage and severe health issues.
Side Effects of Biliary Atresia
The primary side effects of biliary atresia can be severe and affect a baby’s overall health. These include:
- Jaundice: A yellowing of the skin and eyes due to the buildup of bilirubin, a component of bile.
- Dark Urine and Pale Stools: Due to the lack of bile reaching the intestines.
- Enlarged Liver (Hepatomegaly): The liver may become swollen as it tries to cope with the bile buildup.
- Failure to Thrive: Poor weight gain and growth because of digestive issues and malabsorption.
- Abdominal Distention: Swelling or bloating of the abdomen can occur as the liver becomes enlarged.
If left untreated, biliary atresia can lead to liver failure and serious complications, including developmental delays and potential need for a liver transplant.
How is Biliary Atresia Diagnosed?
Diagnosing biliary atresia involves several steps and tests to confirm the condition and assess its severity. Common diagnostic methods include:
- Physical Examination: A pediatrician may notice symptoms such as jaundice, an enlarged liver, or abnormal stool and urine color.
- Blood Tests: These help evaluate liver function and detect signs of liver damage or disease.
- Imaging Studies: Ultrasound, Hepatobiliary Scintigraphy (HIDA scan), and sometimes Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) can provide images of the liver and bile ducts, revealing blockages or abnormalities.
- Liver Biopsy: A small tissue sample from the liver may be taken to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of liver damage.
Potential Treatment of Biliary Atresia
Treatment for biliary atresia is critical and typically involves surgical and supportive measures to improve the child’s quality of life. Common treatment options include:
- Kasai Procedure: This is the primary surgical treatment for biliary atresia. The procedure involves creating a new bile duct using a segment of the intestine to drain bile from the liver. This surgery is usually performed within the first few months of life.
- Liver Transplant: If the Kasai procedure is not successful or if the liver becomes severely damaged, a liver transplant may be necessary. This involves replacing the damaged liver with a healthy one from a donor.
- Supportive Care: Management includes medications to support liver function, dietary adjustments to ensure proper nutrition, and regular monitoring to manage symptoms and complications.
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