Definitions of Biliary Atresia
Biliary atresia is a condition where the bile ducts are not formed or does not develop normally.
The function of the bile system is to remove metabolic wastes from the liver and bile salt transport needed to digest fat in the intestine.
In biliary atresia there blockage of bile flow from the liver to the gallbladder. This can cause liver damage and cirrhosis of the liver, which if untreated can be fatal.
CAUSE
Biliary atresia is due to abnormal development of the bile ducts inside and outside the liver. But the cause of the biliary tract developmental disorder is unknown.
Biliary atresia was found in 1 of 15,000 births.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms usually appear within two weeks after birth, namely in the form:
- Dark urine baby
- Pale stool
- Yellow skin
- Does not increase weight or slow weight gain
- Enlarged liver.
At the time the baby reaches the age of 2-3 months, the following symptoms occur:
- Growth retardation
- Itching
- Fussy
- High blood pressure in porta vein (blood vessels that carry blood from the stomach, intestines and spleen to the liver).
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis based on symptoms and physical examination.
On examination the abdomen, enlarged liver palpable.
Regular checks to be performed:
Blood tests (there are elevated levels of bilirubin)
Abdominal ultrasound
Abdominal X-rays (shown enlarged liver)
Kolangiogram
Liver biopsy
Laparotomy (usually done before the baby is 2 months old).
TREATMENT OF BILIARY ATRESIA
The best procedure is to replace the bile ducts that drain bile into the intestine. But this procedure may be performed only at 50-10% sufferer.
To skip biliary atresia and directly connects the liver with the intestine, surgery is called the Kasai procedure.
Surgery will be successful if done before the baby is 8 weeks old.
Usually surgery is only a temporary treatment and eventually need a liver transplant performed.
