Congenital biliary atresia

Congenital biliary atresia is a severe disease exclusively seen in the neonatal period, where the bile ducts that transport bile from the liver to the gallbladder become obstructed while the fetus is still in utero or during the perinatal period. This obstruction prevents bile drainage, leading to long-term cholestasis and subsequent liver damage. It manifests as persistent jaundice, clay-colored stools, dark tea-colored urine, and hepatosplenomegaly. If left untreated, it can progress to liver cirrhosis and even liver failure, posing a life-threatening risk.