Hyperbilirubinemia

Hyperbilirubinemia is a condition characterized by high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance that the body creates when it replaces old red blood cells. The liver helps to break down bilirubin so that it can be removed from the body in the stool.

Causes

Hyperbilirubinemia can occur in adults, but the condition is most common in newborns. This is because their livers are not fully developed and cannot efficiently remove bilirubin from the blood. Other causes of hyperbilirubinemia include liver disease, blood disorders, and certain infections.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of hyperbilirubinemia is jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. Other symptoms can include dark, yellow urine and pale stools. In severe cases, hyperbilirubinemia can lead to brain damage.

Diagnosis

Hyperbilirubinemia is usually diagnosed through a blood test that measures the amount of bilirubin in the blood. Other tests may be used to determine the underlying cause of the condition.

Treatment

Treatment for hyperbilirubinemia depends on the underlying cause of the condition. In newborns, treatment may include phototherapy, a treatment that uses light to break down bilirubin in the body. In severe cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary.

See also

• Jaundice
• Liver disease
• Blood disorders

Hyperbilirubinemia Resources
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