Jaundice is usually the first sign, and sometimes the only sign, of liver disease. Symptoms of biliary atresia may resemble other liver conditions or medical problems. Please consult your child s physician for a diagnosis. A physician or healthcare provider will examine your child and obtain a medical history. Elevated levels of bilirubin often indicate an obstruction of bile flow or a defect in the processing of bile by the liver.
Blood clotting requires vitamin K and proteins made by the liver.
Liver cell damage and bile flow obstruction can both interfere with proper blood clotting. Checking for bacterial infection in the bloodstream that can affect the liver may be used to diagnose biliary atresia. Ultrasounds are used to view the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts. The liver and intestine are scanned by a nuclear medicine machine. If the isotope passes through the liver into the intestine, the bile ducts are open and the child does not have biliary atresia.