Question 1

what are available treatment options for biliary atresia?

Accepted Answer

Surgery: Kasai procedure attaches liver to bowel to drian bile.  Nutrition support, especially for calories, fats, fat soluble vitamins, zn. May need liver transplant.

Question 2

what happens if the initial treatment for biliary atresia fails?

Accepted Answer

Liver transplant: If you mean surgery, i.e. Kasai procedure, as "the initial treatment", then liver transplantation is often needed.  Untreated, chronic bile buildup leads to cirrhosis and liver failure.

Question 3

anyone's baby got biliary atresia?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Several in las vegas. About one third do well. One third will do well for a time and will eventually need a liver transplant. Another third do not benefit from a kasai procedure and go straight to liver transplant.

Question 4

what are common symptoms and signs of biliary atresia?

Accepted Answer

Jaundice: Persistent jaundice in the newborn which is of the direct type or conjugated type is the early sign of biliary atresia.  If it goes undetected in the newborn period, the child can develop liver failure.

Question 5

is there a syndrome with biliary atresia and fibrosarcoma?

Accepted Answer

No: These two diagnoses are mutually exclusive. Biliary atresia is a steady obliteration of the bile ducts caused by early virus. Fibrosarcoma is a type of soft tissue cancer that usually is not congenital and occurs later in life.

Question 6

is biliary atresia detected before birth?

Accepted Answer

Not generally: Some types can be seen soon after birth; evaluation is undertaken at that time.

Question 7

is diarrhea bad when you have biliary atresia?

Accepted Answer

See below: If it is grey or white, yes.  See your doctor asap.

Question 8

is surgery a possible cure for biliary atresia?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Biliary atresia is an unusual condition usually in newborn babies. Surgery can be used to bypass the blocked bile ducts. Each person and condition is different, and a pediatric surgeon specialist may know what is best.

Question 9

i have biliary atresia, symptoms are showing slow failure. i have low energy levels. would taking vitamin tablets help me?

Accepted Answer

Maybe,but which one?: A reason for low energy levels in your situation could be "anemia of chronic disease". Yet, a simple over the counter vitamin is rarely the answer. Since you have the diagnosis of biliary atresia, you must have interacted with a physician competent with complex medical issues. I strongly urge you to contact your doctor soon to properly evaluate this frustrating problem. Labwork will give answers.

Question 10

how is biliary atresia typically diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Multidisciplinary: This diagnosis is made by a team of neonatologists, pediatric surgeons and pediatric gastroenterologists. It includes blood test, an ultrasound, a nuclear scan called hida scan to evaluate drainage of the liver, a liver biopsy and finally a cholangiogram.  As you can see it is not straightforward and that is why so many specialists are required.

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Alternative treatments for biliary atresia

A member asked:

What are available treatment options for biliary atresia?

A member asked:

What happens if the initial treatment for biliary atresia fails?

A member asked:

Anyone's baby got biliary atresia?

A member asked:

What are common symptoms and signs of biliary atresia?

A member asked:

Is there a syndrome with biliary atresia and fibrosarcoma?

A member asked:

Is biliary atresia detected before birth?

A member asked:

Is diarrhea bad when you have biliary atresia?

A member asked:

Is surgery a possible cure for biliary atresia?

A member asked:

I have biliary atresia, symptoms are showing slow failure. i have low energy levels. would taking vitamin tablets help me?

A member asked:

How is biliary atresia typically diagnosed?

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