Biliary Atresia
What is Biliary Atresia (BA)?
Bile is a digestive juice secreted from the liver. Bile passes into the intestine through a tube like structure which is called bile duct. Bile juice is important for the digestion of fat in food and for absorption of fat soluble vitamins. Poor development of the bile duct is called Biliary Atresia. This can lead to cholestatic (direct) jaundice or liver damage.
How common is Biliary Atresia?
Biliary Atresia occurs in 1 in 10,000 to 20,000 live births. It is one of the commonest causes of neonatal jaundice.