Cholemia

Cholemia is a condition caused by the presence of excess bile in the blood. Its symptoms can include somnolence (drowsiness), yellow tinge to skin and whites of eyes, fatigue, nausea and, in extreme cases, coma. It is often an early sign of liver disease.

Cause

Cholemia is caused by a blood disorder caused by genetic factors. Also as a result of obstruction of bile duct leading to cholemic syndrome which is clinically significant because of the presence of bile acids (taurocholic and glycocholic acids). this build up causes CNS affection, irritation of vagus nerve causing arrythmia, direct tissue damage, hypercholesterolemia and hyperbillirubinemia.

Diagnosis

There is no specific diagnostic test for this condition. Usually detected colonoscopy. It is caused by a disease of the liver. It is most commonly seen in patients with hepatitis b. It's confirmed by the diagnosis as it shows a higher level of bilirubin ( <3 mg/dl ) but it is necessary to rule out liver diseases if the diagnosis is uncertain.

Treatment

Treatment aims to prevent the fast breakdown of red blood cells causing high bile in blood. Cholemia is currently untreatable.

External links

Classification
External resources	Orphanet: 357