Definitions for "Biliary atresia"
A disease of the liver that destroys bile ducts; it is progressive and life threatening.
a birth defect in which the bile ducts are not completely developed; often a liver transplant is necessary
A rare, congenital (at birth) condition marked by the absence, underdevelopment or closure of the major bile ducts that drain bile from the liver. The baby looks normal at birth but develops jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) after 2-3 weeks. Stools are light-colored and urine is dark, caused by build up of the pigment bilirubin in the blood. The abdomen may be swollen with a firm, enlarged liver. Weight loss and irritability develop as the jaundice increases. The blockage of bile flow from the liver can lead to cirrhosis of the liver (irreversible scarring) if not treated. Treatment involves surgically attaching the small intestine directly to the liver at the spot where bile is found or expected to drain. For the 20% of babies not helped by surgery, the only option is liver transplant.
a serious disease of the young infant whose cause is unknown