Treatment of ascites is a low-sodium diet and medication. Sometimes the build-up of ascites fluid becomes so severe that it causes breathing to become difficult. Failure to thrive is another problem with children afflicted with biliary atresia. Lack of bile salts in the intestine, needed for fat digestion, results in poor growth and fat-soluble vitamin deficiency in the infant. Nutrition will be covered in our June issue.
Ammonia intoxication is an uncommon complication of biliary atresia.
Symptoms include severe weakness, fatigue and lethargy. Diagnosis is made by a blood test. Treatment is medication and a low-protein diet. When the cirrhosis of the liver becomes severe, liver transplantation is considered. This is a very difficult choice for parents.