Malnutrition in Biliary Atresia: Assessment, Management, and Outcomes

Children with biliary atresia, particularly infants, are at high risk for malnutrition due to a multitude of factors including poor oral intake and intolerance of enteral feeding, fat malabsorption, abnormal nutrient metabolism, and increased caloric demand. Malnutrition and sarcopenia negatively impact outcomes in biliary atresia, leading to higher pre- and post-transplant morbidity and mortality. This review summarizes factors contributing to nutritional deficiencies in biliary atresia and offers an organized approach to the assessment and management of malnutrition in this vulnerable population.