Background: Neonatal cholestasis is defined as prolonged
elevation of serum levels of conjugated bilirubin beyond
the first 14 days of life. Cholestasis in a newborn can be
due to infectious, genetic, metabolic, or undefined
abnormalities giving rise to mechanical obstruction of bile
flow or to functional impairment of hepatic excretory
function and bile secretion. Early detection and timely
accurate diagnosis are important for successful treatment
and a favorable prognosis.
Objective: The present study has been designed to determine
the etiology of cholestatic jaundice in infants along with
their clinical profile.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted
from August 2010 through January 2011 in the Paediatric
Gastroenterology & Nutrition Department, Bangabandhu
Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka. For
the study purpose 40 consecutive cases of cholestatic
jaundice were included who fulfilled the inclusion criteria.
Result: Biliary atresia was the commonest (42.5%) cause
of cholestatic jaundice followed by neonatal hepatitis/
idiopathic neonatal hepatitis. Other causes of cholestatic