bilirubiinipitoisuuden

Bilirubiinipitoisuus refers to the concentration of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. When red blood cells reach the end of their lifespan, typically about 120 days, they are removed from circulation by the spleen and liver. During this process, hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, is broken down into heme and globin. The heme is further metabolized into bilirubin.

This newly formed bilirubin is unconjugated, meaning it is not yet soluble in water. It binds to albumin, a protein in the blood, and is transported to the liver. In the liver, unconjugated bilirubin is processed and conjugated, making it water-soluble. This conjugated bilirubin is then excreted from the body, primarily through bile into the intestines, and eventually eliminated in feces and urine.

Elevated bilirubin levels in the blood, known as hyperbilirubinemia, can indicate various medical conditions. These can range from normal physiological processes, such as in newborns where the liver is still maturing, to more serious issues like liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or hemolytic anemia (increased destruction of red blood cells). Measuring bilirubin levels is a common diagnostic tool in clinical practice to assess liver function and detect potential health problems.