Neonatal Cholestasis

Biliary Atresia: pathogenesis
Bile duct obstruction due to inflammation
and fibrous obliteration
Perinatal or “classic” type (70-85%):
obstruction begins after birth. Signs/symptoms
develop within ~2-4 weeks of age. No
associated abnormalities
Embryonic type (15-30%): obstructive
process begins in utero. Cholestatic symptoms
present at birth. Associated with congenital
anomalies:
Situs inversus, polysplenia, malrotation, cardiac
anomalies
Unknown etiology: genetic, viral and host
immune factors have been postulated