hyperbilirubinæmi

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 production of bilirubin, it 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. These can be broadly categorized into pre-hepatic, hepatic, and post-hepatic causes. Pre-hepatic causes involve increased red blood cell breakdown, such as in hemolytic anemias. Hepatic causes relate to the liver's inability to conjugate or excrete bilirubin, often due to liver diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis, or genetic disorders like Gilbert's syndrome. Post-hepatic causes stem from obstruction of the bile ducts, preventing the flow of bile and bilirubin from the liver to the intestines, which can be caused by gallstones or tumors.

In newborns, a mild form of hyperbilirubinemia called physiological jaundice is common and usually resolves on its own. However, severe hyperbilirubinemia in infants can lead to serious neurological damage if left untreated. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to measure bilirubin levels and further investigations to identify the underlying cause. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition and may include phototherapy, medication, or procedures to address bile duct obstruction.