DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION OF CHRONIC CHOLESTATIC LIVER DISEASES 1 IN INFANCY AND CIDLDHOOD

Abstract

Cholestasis includes retention of conjugated bilirubin, bile salts ' and other components of the bile. It is not a disease; rather, it is a signal

that disease exists. The mechanisms by which diseases produce cholestasis can be classified as either hepatocellular or obstructive cholestasis. Of these obstructive cholestasis, biliary atresia accounts for more than 90% of cases.

The first diagnostic concern of cholestatic disorders should be the differentiation of hepatocellular from obstructive cholestasis, because it represents the differentiation between medical versus surgical disorders. All disorders that deserve intervention in the first few months of life are obstructive disorders, and their timely identification can unprove outcome.