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Biliary Atresia

Congenital Biliary Atresia

Biliary atresia, or BA, is a liver problem that happens before or shortly after a baby is born. With this problem, the bile ducts, which are small tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder, are blocked. This damages the liver. Normally, your liver makes bile that moves through the bile ducts from the liver to the gall bladder where it is stored. When you eat, bile is released into your bowels to help breakdown the food and to help you absorb fat. Some babies with BA do not have any other problems. Other babies with BA may have other issues at birth like: Spleen problems Heart problems Bowel problems Kidney problems

Name

Biliary Atresia

About this topic

Biliary atresia, or BA, is a liver problem that happens before or shortly after a baby is born. With this problem, the bile ducts, which are small tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder, are blocked. This damages the liver. Normally, your liver makes bile that moves through the bile ducts from the liver to the gall bladder where it is stored. When you eat, bile is released into your bowels to help breakdown the food and to help you absorb fat. Some babies with BA do not have any other problems. Other babies with BA may have other issues at birth like: Spleen problems Heart problems Bowel problems Kidney problems

What drugs may be needed?

Help break down foods,Help with nutrition,Prevent infection

What problems could happen?

Infection,Fluid in the belly,Need for a liver transplant,Poor nutrition

Body systems

Hepatic,Neonatal,Pediatric

What are other common names?

BA,BASM,Bile Duct Disease,Biliary Atresia Splenic Malformation,Pediatric Biliary Atresia

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider’s advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.

Copyright

Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.

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