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Living with Congenital bile acid synthesis defect 1

A rare inherited liver condition in which the body cannot make bile acids, causing jaundice, poor growth and fat malabsorption.

Understanding Congenital bile acid synthesis defect 1

Congenital bile acid synthesis defect type 1 is a rare condition in which the liver cannot make normal bile acids, so bile does not flow well.

Bile helps the body absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K). Signs often begin in the first weeks of life but can start from infancy to adulthood. Infants may grow poorly and have yellow skin and eyes (jaundice) and fatty stools. Over time, liver problems and softened bones (rickets) can develop.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)
  • Slow weight gain and growth (failure to thrive)
  • Fatty stools (steatorrhea)
  • Enlarged liver and spleen
  • Trouble absorbing fats and vitamins
  • Bleeding or clotting problems

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include digestive system specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in HSD3B7 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

Care & treatment

Care team
Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Should we have genetic testing for the HSD3B7 gene?
What treatment is available for the bile acid problem?
How should vitamin levels and liver health be monitored?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive
GenesHSD3B7

Changes in the HSD3B7 gene are listed. It is autosomal recessive, so a child inherits a changed copy from each parent.

GeneticGastrointestinalInherited Metabolic

Also known as: 3-beta-hydroxy-delta-5-c27-steroid dehydrogenase deficiency; 3-beta-hydroxy-delta-5-c27-steroid oxidoreductase deficiency; 3-beta-hydroxy-delta-5-c27-steroid oxidoreductase deficiency type 1; basd1; bile acid synthesis defect, congenital, type 1; cbas1

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Congenital bile acid synthesis defect 1GARD ID 9813 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

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