Question
The child recently developed jaundice and was diagnosed with congenital biliary atresia. Is it possible for it to be a disease acquired later in life?
Answer
Congenital biliary atresia is typically caused by an abnormality in embryonic development, not by acquired factors. During the process of embryonic development, the biliary system fails to form normally, leading to the inability of bile to be excreted smoothly after birth, which in turn causes jaundice. The goal of treatment is usually to relieve biliary obstruction to prevent liver damage.