Unsaturated monohydroxy bile acids as a cause of idiopathic obstructive cholangiopathy.

It is proposed that some cases of biliary atresia and neonatal hepatitis may be initiated by an adverse effect of unsaturated monohydroxy bile acids on the fetal and infantile hepatobiliary system. The hypothesis is founded on morphological observations in patients with biliary atresia and on the toxic effects of monohydroxy bile acids on the hepatobiliary system.