Hyperbilirubineemian

Hyperbilirubinemia is a medical condition characterized by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. When the liver is unable to process bilirubin efficiently or when there is an excessive rate of red blood cell destruction, bilirubin can accumulate in the bloodstream, leading to jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.

There are several causes of hyperbilirubinemia, broadly categorized as pre-hepatic, hepatic, and post-hepatic. Pre-hepatic causes involve increased bilirubin production, such as in hemolytic anemias. Hepatic causes relate to the liver's inability to conjugate or excrete bilirubin, seen in conditions like hepatitis or cirrhosis. Post-hepatic causes are due to obstruction of bile flow from the liver to the intestine, such as gallstones or tumors.

In newborns, a mild form of hyperbilirubinemia, known as physiological jaundice, is common and typically resolves on its own. However, severe or persistent hyperbilirubinemia in infants can lead to kernicterus, a rare but serious form of brain damage. Diagnosis involves blood tests to measure bilirubin levels and further investigations to identify the underlying cause. Treatment depends on the cause and severity, ranging from phototherapy for newborns to addressing underlying liver disease or bile duct obstruction in adults.