Glossary of terms

Alagille syndrome

a rare, inherited disorder in which there are fewer than normal bile ducts in the liver. It often affects the liver and other organs, including the heart, eyes, spine and kidneys. A small number of patients develop severe liver disease and require liver transplantation.

biliary atresia

a rare disease of the liver and bile ducts that occurs in infants. Symptoms of the disease appear or develop about two to eight weeks after birth.

See also New liver equals new life for Michael

fulminant hepatic failure (severe liver failure)

a rare condition in children that accounts for 10-15 percent of all pediatric transplants