Embryonic Biliary Atresia in a Very-low-birth-weight Premature Infant

Two major forms of biliary atresia, the embryonic and perinatal type, are considered to have different pathogeneses and distinct prognoses. Embryonic biliary atresia is associated with worse prognosis. We report a case of embryonic biliary atresia in a preterm male infant of 31 weeks of gestation and weighing 1375 g, with the initial manifestation of intermittent acholic stool 5 days after birth. Kasai portoenterostomy was performed at the age of 51 days when he weighed 2164 g. Nevertheless, poorly restored bile flow and progressive cholestasis led to early liver transplantation at the age of 8 months. Liver function had recovered to normal levels by the age of 12 months. Diagnosis of biliary atresia in preterm infants is difficult and requires a high index of suspicion and careful workup. This case illustrates the poor outcome of embryonic biliary atresia and that early liver transplantation may be necessary to improve the prognosis. [J Formos Med Assoc 2007;106(1):78-81]