Patient's question:
My baby was just born not long ago, but recently I noticed that the baby's complexion is yellow and looks listless. Later, after a check-up, it was diagnosed as biliary atresia. I'd like to know what are the causes of congenital biliary atresia?Doctor's answer:
The cause of biliary atresia in newborns is the obstruction of the biliary system due to the gradual fibrosis of the common hepatic duct. Most cases of biliary atresia are clinically manifested within a few weeks after birth. It can also occur in extrahepatic biliary infection. After fibrosis, it is rarely found in newborns or fetuses. Biliary atresia typically occurs two weeks after birth, accompanied by hyperbilirubinemia, clay-colored stools, hepatomegaly, slow growth in children aged 3-2 years, skin itching, and portal hypertension.