$Unique_ID{BRK01250}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{What Does "Biliary Atresia" Mean?}
$Subject{biliary atresia newborn}
$Volume{I-9}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Does "Biliary Atresia" Mean?


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QUESTION:  They are telling us our grandchild has something called "biliary
atresia" and it is causing us much anxiety.  Would you please explain what
this means in language we can understand?

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ANSWER:  Biliary atresia is a peculiar sounding disease with serious
consequences to the very young infant.  The word biliary comes from the Latin
word "bilis" or bile.  Atresia comes from Greek words meaning "without a hole"
and means blockage.  Babies who have this condition suffer from a blockage in
their bile ducts which keeps the bile from flowing normally into the
intestines.  The result is a "back-up" of bile into the liver which causes
"jaundice" or yellowing of the skin, and eventually cirrhosis (scar tissue)
which interferes with the liver's normal job of metabolizing (changing)
carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into a form of food the body can use.  As
yet, the exact cause is unknown.  But researchers suspect a virus near the
time of birth may cause the bile ducts to become infected and swollen.  The
most successful treatment is surgery, followed by observation.  If bile flow
is good, jaundice will soon disappear and liver damage will be stopped.  If
bile flow is still somewhat reduced, a low fat diet and extra vitamins will be
prescribed to help the liver do a better job.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
