What Causes Biliary Atresia?

Biliary atresia, which only affects newborns, is a condition in which the bile ducts are absent or blocked. Babies with biliary atresia typically appear healthy at birth, and symptoms begin to appear around two to eight weeks later. Patients present with jaundice (yellow discoloration of the skin or whites of the eyes), and they pass white or pale stools. A swollen abdomen, enlarged liver, and enlarged spleen might be observed, and patients often have dark-colored urine. Since biliary atresia affects fat absorption and increases metabolism, patients may struggle to gain an appropriate amount of weight, and they might even experience weight loss. Protein deficiencies and vitamin deficiencies are common as well.