What symptom is often associated with biliary atresia?

Biliary atresia is a condition that affects the liver and bile ducts in infants, leading to the obstruction of bile flow. One of the hallmark symptoms of this condition is pale stools. This occurs because the obstruction prevents bile from reaching the intestines, which is necessary for the digestion and absorption of fats. Without bile, the stools become acholic (pale or clay-colored) rather than the typical brown color, which is due to the presence of bile pigments.

Pale stools can be an important early indicator of biliary atresia, especially in a newborn. Parents and pediatricians should be on the lookout for this sign, as it can be critical in making a timely diagnosis. When biliary atresia is suspected, further evaluation is warranted to confirm the diagnosis and to initiate necessary treatment promptly, as early intervention can significantly influence outcomes.

Other symptoms, such as high fever, vomiting, and developmental delay, may occur in various conditions involving infants but are not specific to biliary atresia. High fever may indicate infection, vomiting might be due to a variety of gastrointestinal issues, and developmental delay is usually associated with other underlying health conditions. However, the presence of pale stools is particularly indicative of biliary atresia.