Question
What factors can lead to newborns developing biliary atresia?
Answer
Biliary atresia was previously considered a congenital abnormality in bile duct development, but recent research suggests that the disease may be more of an acquired condition. Some infants may have normal yellow stools at birth, only to develop grayish-white stools and jaundice several weeks later, indicating that biliary obstruction may occur after birth. Once a definitive diagnosis is made, timely surgical treatment is necessary.