Patient's question:
My baby was born a few days ago and had very severe jaundice. Usually, if jaundice is severe, it resolves after about a week. However, the doctor said our baby might have biliary atresia. Could you please tell me if newborn biliary atresia is painful?Doctor's answer:
Neonatal biliary atresia can cause pain later on. In the first three months, the nutritional development, height, and weight of the affected child show no significant changes. After three months, development slows down, with poor nutrition, lethargy, anemia. Between 5 to 6 months, due to biliary obstruction, fat absorption is impaired, leading to a rapid deterioration in overall condition. Vitamin A deficiency causes dry eyes, nail deformities, and dry, inelastic skin; vitamin D deficiency leads to vitamin D deficiency disease and convulsions; vitamin K deficiency results in reduced serum thrombin levels, causing subcutaneous bruising and nosebleeds. It is also prone to upper respiratory infections and diarrhea.