Life expectancy of infants with biliary atresia
Feb 12, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jin Zhongkui
Introduction
The survival duration of infants with biliary atresia depends on whether they receive timely diagnosis and treatment. Without surgical intervention, most infants may die within one year. With prompt treatment, they can survive approximately 10 years. Daily care should be strengthened to prevent complications such as cirrhosis and liver failure.
The survival duration of infants with biliary atresia depends on whether timely diagnosis and treatment are provided. Without surgical intervention, most infants may die within one year. With prompt treatment, survival of approximately 10 years is possible.
Infantile biliary atresia requires immediate treatment once diagnosed. After birth, clear symptoms appear, including obvious pale stools and significant jaundice in the infant. If left untreated, biliary atresia will inevitably progress to cirrhosis and liver failure, ultimately leading to death, with a life expectancy of about one year.
In most cases, biliary atresia not only affects the gallbladder but also damages the liver. Under medical guidance, procedures such as hepaticojejunostomy or the Kasai procedure can extend the survival period. However, most infants still require liver transplantation for optimal long-term outcomes. The results of liver transplantation vary depending on the source of the donor liver. Liver grafts from parents generally show better compatibility and lead to longer survival, potentially allowing the child to live around 10 years.
After diagnosis of biliary atresia, active treatment should be pursued to maximize lifespan. Daily care should be strengthened to prevent complications such as cirrhosis and liver failure.
