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Biliary atresia is a rare but serious liver disease that affects roughly 1 in 10,000 infants annually. Without early diagnosis and treatment, it can lead to liver failure and the need for transplantation. Because early symptoms can be subtle, primary care clinicians play a crucial role in identification. The best outcomes are achieved if surgical treatment is performed before 30 to 45 days of life, but most cases in the U.S. are diagnosed too late.
A new clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics outlines a primary care screening strategy to detect biliary atresia in infants at 2 to 4 weeks of age during their “by 1-month” well-child visit. The approach involves the following:
Eye and skin examination: Check for persistent jaundi…