Common Causes Of Alagille Syndrome

Scarring In The Liver

Scarring in the liver is caused by the bile ducts being malformed or nonexistent. Bile is unable to travel through the ducts into the duodenum, and it backs up into the liver. This bile build-up causes scarring and prevents the liver from working normally. When the liver is not functioning correctly, patients become jaundiced, which means they have a yellow tinge the whites of their eyes and their skin. Severely itchy skin is also a sign bile has built up in the liver. Malnutrition can also occur since bile is needed to break down fats before the body can absorb them. When fat cannot be broken down, fat-soluble vitamins cannot be absorbed resulting in a deficiency. A liver transplant may be needed for survival in extreme cases.

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