biliary atresia, congenital absence or underdevelopment of one or more of the biliary structures, causing jaundice and early liver damage. As the condition worsens, the child’s growth may be delayed, and portal hypertension may develop. Surgery can correct the defective ducts in only a small percentage of cases. Liver transplantation is an option. Most infants die in early childhood from biliary cirrhosis. It is essential to distinguish between this condition and neonatal hepatitis, which is treatable. See also biliary cirrhosis.
