How to Rule Out Biliary Atresia in Newborns?

Question

How can newborns be checked for biliary atresia?

Answer

Biliary atresia is relatively rare, so there is no need to worry excessively. If liver and gallbladder function is normal, the likelihood of this condition is small. An ultrasound can be used for preliminary screening. If the gallbladder develops well, its volume can decrease to less than 50% after meals, which can rule out a diagnosis of biliary atresia. This is because when biliary atresia occurs, the empty gallbladder appears as a slender cyst, or it may not be detectable in an ultrasound examination.