Question
The newborn’s stool appears milky white, and after examination, it is diagnosed with biliary atresia. The improvement after surgery is limited, and bilirubin levels continue to stay above 200. What is neonatal biliary atresia?
Answer
Neonatal biliary atresia is a congenital disease characterized by fibrosis, sclerosis, or only minimal bile ducts in the bile ducts, which prevents bile from flowing into the intestines, leading to systemic jaundice, persistently elevated bilirubin levels, liver enlargement, and spleen enlargement. Long-term increased portal vein pressure may cause upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Although the Kasai procedure can be performed, it can only save one-third of the affected children.