ALAGILLE SYNDROME

Alagille syndrome is a genetic disorder of the liver and other organs that causes reduced bile flow because of too few bile ducts inside the liver.

• The syndrome is usually diagnosed during infancy or early childhood.
• Children who have Alagille syndrome have progressive destruction of the bile ducts inside and occasionally outside of the liver, causing bile to back up and cause scarring in the liver.
• It’s distinguishable from other liver diseases because it usually affects other major systems in the body, including the cardiovascular system, the bones of the spine, eyes and kidneys.
• In addition, children with Alagille syndrome tend to have unique facial characteristics, with a pointy chin, broad brow and widely spaced eyes.