Metabolism and Excretion of C14-Labeled Bilirubin in Children with Biliary Atresia

Abstract

BILIRUBIN metabolism and excretion in children with biliary atresia is complex and poorly understood. Jaundice may not be apparent until the infant is three or four weeks of age. Rarely, as in a case reported by Sterling,¹ the jaundice disappears, and for weeks the serum bilirubin levels are normal. Usually, however, the serum bilirubin levels continue to rise for several weeks after birth and thereafter remain relatively stable. Like the normal infant, the child with biliary atresia is continuously producing bile pigment from the breakdown of hemoglobin. Since the serum bilirubin levels do not continue to rise one must assume . . .