Patient's question:
Okay, here is the translation following your instructions:My son was recently diagnosed with biliary atresia. The hospital said they need to arrange a liver transplant for him as soon as possible. But why is a liver transplant needed for biliary atresia? If a transplant is necessary, shouldn't it be done in another part of the body? What's the logic behind this?
Doctor's answer:
The most typical clinical symptoms of biliary atresia are progressive deepening jaundice. In the early stages, it manifests as jaundice in the sclera, gradually spreading to the skin of the entire body, changing from yellow to greenish-brown or dark green. Stool becomes clay-like, urine appears dark tea-colored, and the skin may develop scratch marks. As the condition progresses, children may exhibit varying degrees of malnutrition, anemia, and delayed development. They may gradually develop biliary cirrhosis and portal hypertension, characterized by subcutaneous ecchymosis and gastrointestinal bleeding. The biliary system may also become infected, causing high fever and chills. In severe cases, children may experience hepatic coma and liver failure, leading to death.