Development and Treatment of Infants With Biliary Atresia

Fourteen infants (under age 3) with biliary atresia were examined prior to transplant surgery to determine if they were at risk for developmental and temperament problems. Results indicate that the infants had significantly lower Mental Developmental Index scores on the Bayley (1969) Scales of Infant Development compared to the standard norms. They also had significantly lower Psychomotor Developmental Index scores. They were rated by their mothers as significantly less responsive on the Infant Characteristics Questionnaire (ICQ; Bates, Bennett-Freeland, – Lounsberry, 1979). There was a significant correlation between galactose elimination rate and the total ICQ score. These results suggest that there may be behavioral indicators of hepatic failure. Furthermore, infants and toddlers with biliary atresia may be at increased risk for developmental delays. Therefore, developmental status should be carefully monitored.