Molecular Characterization for Understanding Biliary Atresia

This study is conducting molecular (genetic and biological) research to better understand biliary atresia (BA), a rare and serious liver disease that affects newborns. In biliary atresia, the bile ducts — the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the intestine — are blocked or absent. Without treatment, the blocked bile destroys the liver. Currently, the cause of biliary atresia is not well understood. This study collects biological samples and data from affected children and their parents to look for genetic, immune, and environmental factors that might contribute to the condition, with the goal of developing better treatments. The study includes both children diagnosed with biliary atresia and their parents. There are no formal exclusion criteria listed — anyone with a confirmed BA diagnosis or who is a parent of an affected child may be eligible. You may be eligible if: - Your child has a confirmed diagnosis of biliary atresia, OR - You are the parent of a child with biliary atresia and are willing to provide biological samples for research You may NOT be eligible if: - There are no stated exclusion criteria for this study Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.