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Extremely high levels of unconjugated bilirubin in plasma enables bilirubin to cross the blood-brain-barrier to reach the brain and central nervous system to impart damage. This is termed kernicterus, or bilirubin encephalopathy. Kernicterus is rare in adults but is prevalent in newborns with underdeveloped blood-brain barriers and lower ...
The bilirubin level found in the body reflects the balance between production and excretion. Blood test results are advised to always be interpreted using the reference range provided by the laboratory that performed the test. The SI units are μmol/L. [52] Typical ranges for adults are: [53] 0–0.3 mg/dl – Direct (conjugated) bilirubin level
When total bilirubin levels exceed 40 μmol/L, bilirubin deposition at the sclera, skin, and mucous membranes will give these areas a yellow colour, thus it is called jaundice. [6] The increase in predominantly unconjugated bilirubin is due to overproduction, reduced hepatic uptake of the unconjugated bilirubin and reduced conjugation of bilirubin.
Cholestasis can be excluded by normal levels of bile acids in plasma, the absence of lactate dehydrogenase, low levels of conjugated bilirubin, and ultrasound scan of the bile ducts. [citation needed] Vitamin B12 deficiency - elevated bilirubin levels (and MCV counts above 90–92) can be associated with a vitamin B12 deficiency. [citation needed]
Jaundice, also known as icterus, is a yellowish or greenish pigmentation of the skin and sclera due to high bilirubin levels. [3] [6] Jaundice in adults is typically a sign indicating the presence of underlying diseases involving abnormal heme metabolism, liver dysfunction, or biliary-tract obstruction. [7]
Only when the canalicular excretion capacity is exceeded, conjugated bilirubin will accumulate in the plasma. [26] As unconjugated bilirubin has a high affinity to albumin, at high level it is not efficiently cleared through glomerular filtration and it binds to the elastic tissue of the skin and sclera, where high albumin content can be found ...
In biliary obstruction, below-normal amounts of conjugated bilirubin reach the intestine for conversion to urobilinogen. With limited urobilinogen available for reabsorption and excretion, the amount of urobilin found in the urine is low. High amounts of the soluble conjugated bilirubin enter the circulation where they are excreted via the kidneys.
Bilirubin levels are often mildly elevated (1–4 mg/dL). [14] If bilirubin levels are more significantly elevated, alternate or additional diagnoses should be considered such as gallstone blocking the common bile duct (common bile duct stone). [1] Less commonly, blood aminotransferases are elevated. [13]