1. Biliary atresia is a childhood chronic, progressive liver problem that can be acquired or congenital. This abnormality affects females slightly more often than males, and Asians and African Americans more often than Caucasians. The bile ducts, which would normally allow bile liquids to drain into the intestines and kidneys, are blocked. This blockage of bile, which aids in digestion, causes liver damage, and in turn, affects many vital body functions. Symptoms are noticed one to six weeks after birth, and include symptoms similar to neonatal jaundice. Infants develop cholestasis from the buildup of bile, and soon the bilirubin begins to accumulate in the blood, causing symptoms of yellow skin, itchiness, growth delays, pale fecal matter,
