Some researchers and physicians believe that babies are born with biliary atresia, implying the problem with the bile ducts occurred during pregnancy while the liver was developing. Others believe that the disease begins after birth, and may be caused by exposure to infections or exposures to toxic substances. Biliary atresia does not seem to be linked to medications the mother took, illnesses the mother had, or anything else the mother did during her pregnancy. Currently, there is not a genetic link known for biliary atresia. The disease is unlikely to occur more than once in a family.
Biliary atresia is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in neonates.
Biliary atresia occurs once in every 10,000 to 20,000 births. Asians and African-Americans are affected by biliary atresia more frequently than Caucasians. Biliary atresia causes liver damage and affects numerous important processes that allow the body to function normally. It is a life-threatening disease and is fatal without treatment. Infants with biliary atresia usually appear healthy at birth.