[Cholestasis in early infancy - histological findings (author's transl)]

Abstract

Cholestasis in early infancy produces reactive alterations of liver parenchyma within the first weeks of life; histological examination of liver biopsy specimens may give hints as to the underlying disease. Differentiation of bile duct atresia and giant cell hepatitis at an early stage is especially important. Hyperplasia of the intrahepatic bile duct system can be due to rather different diseases. Congenital abnormalities of the duct system can be distinguished from reactive alterations only by early liver biopsy. Certain histological changes may give evidence of congenital or other metabolic disorders. Hemochromatosis of the neonatal period has been characterized morphologically but not as yet biochemically.