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A 14-year-old boy is admitted for evaluation of jaundice, dark urine, and pale stools. His total bilirubin level is 7.0 mg/dL and his direct bilirubin level is 5.0 mg/dL. A liver biopsy specimen has a grossly black appearance and histological examination shows pigmented granules within the hepatocytes. Which of the following statements about this patient’s condition is most accurate?