What indicates the severity of cholestasis in infants?

The severity of cholestasis in infants is primarily determined by the measurement of bile acids. In cholestasis, the normal flow of bile is disrupted, leading to the accumulation of bile acids in the bloodstream. Elevated levels of bile acids are indicative of the severity of liver dysfunction and bile flow obstruction. This condition can have various underlying causes, including liver disease or bile duct abnormalities.

Monitoring bile acid concentrations thus provides critical information about the extent of cholestatic disease and can guide clinical decision-making and treatment strategies.

While liver enzyme levels and bilirubin concentration are important for assessing liver function and the extent of bilirubin-related problems, they do not fully capture the severity of cholestasis or the underlying processes involved. Anthropometric measurements, on the other hand, are useful for assessing the growth and nutritional status of infants but do not directly reflect the severity of cholestasis.