bilirubiinipitoisuudet

Bilirubiinipitoisuudet refers to the measurement of bilirubin levels in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. As red blood cells age and are destroyed, primarily in the liver and spleen, their hemoglobin is processed into bilirubin. This bilirubin is then transported to the liver, where it is conjugated (made soluble) and excreted into the bile.

Elevated bilirubin levels, a condition known as hyperbilirubinemia, can indicate various medical issues. The two main types of bilirubin measured are unconjugated (indirect) and conjugated (direct) bilirubin. Unconjugated bilirubin is fat-soluble and binds to albumin in the blood, while conjugated bilirubin is water-soluble and excreted by the liver.

High levels of unconjugated bilirubin can be caused by increased red blood cell destruction (hemolysis), certain genetic disorders like Gilbert's syndrome, or problems with the liver's ability to process bilirubin. High levels of conjugated bilirubin often suggest a blockage in the bile ducts or liver diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, which impair the liver's excretion of bilirubin.

Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, is the most common visible sign of hyperbilirubinemia. Bilirubiinipitoisuudet are routinely tested in newborns to diagnose and manage neonatal jaundice, which can be dangerous if untreated. In adults, elevated bilirubin levels prompt further investigation to determine the underlying cause and guide appropriate medical treatment.