The newborn infant:

We are committed to rapid consultation for this potentially serious problem, which can be caused by a range of conditions including biliary atresia, Alagille syndrome, metabolic diseases such as alpha-1-antitrypsin deificeincy, choledochal cyst, and giant cell hepatitis. You can expect a through history and physical examination, blood and urine tests, work up for cystic fibrosis, special xrays, and possibly a liver biopsy and, if the workup points toward biliary atresia and/or choledochal cyst, prompt surgical diagnosis and treatment.

The child or teenager:

Jaundice in children out of the newborn period can be secondary to the diagnoses listed above for the newborn but, in addition, other considerations include sclerosing cholangitis, gallstones, and tumors. The approach would be similar to that outlined for the jaundiced newborn. Treatment would depend on the diagnosis.