15/12/2017 Pediatric Biliary Atresia Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Surgical Care, Consultations

Pediatric Biliary Atresia Treatment &

Management
Updated: Sep 25, 2017
Author: Steven M Schwarz, MD, FAAP, FACN, AGAF; Chief Editor: Carmen Cuffari, MD more...

TREATMENT

Diet
See the list below:

During the evaluation phase of biliary atresia, the infant's diet is typically not changed.
Postoperative breastfeeding is encouraged when possible because breast milk contains both
lipases and bile salts to aid in lipid hydrolysis and micelle formation. Theoretically, breast milk
may also protect against cholangitis, a common complication following portoenterostomy, by
suppressing the growth of gram-negative and anaerobic flora. However, no data is available
to support this claim.
Infants who are fed formula and who achieve adequate bile drainage should not require a
special diet. Early in the postoperative course and when the status of biliary continuity may
be in question, one of the medium-chain triglyceride-containing formulas (eg, Alimentum,
Pregestimil) may enhance lipid digestion.

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/927029-treatment#d9 1/1