Everything You Need To Know About Biliary Atresia

Biliary atresia is a chronic and progressive liver problem. It becomes evident right after birth. The bile ducts are blocked and bile cannot leave the liver. Due to this, the functioning of the liver becomes impaired and starts to affect several vital functions.

If left untreated, this is a life-threatening disease. We will learn more about her in this article.

What causes biliary atresia?

The exact cause of biliary atresia is not known. Many experts believe that babies are born with biliary atresia, which implies that the change in the bile ducts occurs during pregnancy.

However,  other opinions suggest that the disease appears after birth due to exposure to toxic or infectious substances. It is not linked to medications taken by the mother or to illnesses the pregnant woman may have had during pregnancy.

Currently, it  is not known whether there is a genetic link in biliary atresia. In general, the disease is unlikely to recur more than once in the family.

What are the symptoms of biliary atresia?

Babies affected by biliary atresia often look healthy at birth. However, the symptoms develop between two weeks and two months. The symptoms of biliary atresia may resemble those of other medical problems or disorders.

Among  the symptoms listed are:

• Jaundice: yellowish discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes. It occurs due to irregular and high levels of bilirubin in the blood, which can be attributed to inflammation, other liver cell abnormalities, or obstruction of the bile ducts.
• Dark urine  and pale stools.
• Swollen abdomen  and weight loss.

Diagnosis of biliary atresia

To reach the diagnosis of the disease , different tests and blood tests are performed. 

Bloodtests

In the blood test, the measurement of the following parameters is requested  :

• Liver enzymes: High levels of liver enzymes can be a warning of liver damage or damage. When this happens, enzymes pass into the blood.
• Bilirubin: Bilirubin produced by the liver is excreted in bile. High bilirubin levels usually indicate a blockage of bile flow or a defect in the liver’s processing of bile.
• Albumin and total protein : below normal levels are associated with chronic liver disorders.
• Coagulation studies: Prothrombin time and partial prothrombin time, which measure the time required for blood to clot , are evaluated. Damage to liver cells and obstruction of the bile flow can interfere with the blood clotting process.

• Blood culture:  checks the blood for an infection caused by bacteria that can affect the liver.

Diagnostic imaging

The most commonly used image tests are:

• Abdominal ultrasound : is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves. Ultrasound makes it possible to obtain images of the status of the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts.
• Hepatobiliary Examination (HIDA): A low-radiation isotope is injected into a vein. If the isotope passes from the liver to the intestine, the bile ducts open and it is confirmed that there is no biliary atresia.
• Liver biopsy : a sample of liver tissue is collected and examined; that is, it is used to distinguish biliary atresia from other liver problems.