JAUNDICE
It is the condition characterised by yellow colour of the skin, mucous
membrane and deeper tissues due to increased bilirubin level in blood.
The normal serum bilirubin level is 0.5 to 1.5 mg/dL. Jaundice occurs
when bilirubin level exceeds 2mg/dL.
Underlying conditions that may cause jaundice include :-
Acute inflammation of liver
This may impair the ability of the liver to conjugate and secrete
bilirubin, resulting in a buildup.
Inflammation of the bile duct
This can prevent the secretion of bile and removal of bilirubin, causing
jaundice.
Obstruction of the bile duct
This prevents the liver from disposing of bilirubin.
Hemolytic anemia
The production of bilirubin increases when large quantities of red blood
cells are broken down.
Gilbert's syndrome
This is an inherited condition that impairs the ability of enzymes to
process the excretion of bile.
Cholelithiasis
, This interrupts the flow of bile from the liver. The bile containing
conjugated bilirubin remains in the liver instead of being excreted.
Jaundice is classified into three types:-
i. Hemolytic jaundice
ii. Hepatic jaundice
iii. Post hepatic jaundice
HEMOLYTIC JAUNDICE
AETIOLOGY
Hemolytic jaundice is the type of jaundice that occurs because of
excessive destruction of RBC's resulting in increased blood level of free
bilirubin. In this condition the excretory function of liver is normal. But
the quantity of bilirubin increases enormously. The liver cells cannot
excrete that much excess bilirubin rapidly.
Common causes of hemolytic jaundice
● Renal disorder
● Hypersplenism
● Burns
It is the condition characterised by yellow colour of the skin, mucous
membrane and deeper tissues due to increased bilirubin level in blood.
The normal serum bilirubin level is 0.5 to 1.5 mg/dL. Jaundice occurs
when bilirubin level exceeds 2mg/dL.
Underlying conditions that may cause jaundice include :-
Acute inflammation of liver
This may impair the ability of the liver to conjugate and secrete
bilirubin, resulting in a buildup.
Inflammation of the bile duct
This can prevent the secretion of bile and removal of bilirubin, causing
jaundice.
Obstruction of the bile duct
This prevents the liver from disposing of bilirubin.
Hemolytic anemia
The production of bilirubin increases when large quantities of red blood
cells are broken down.
Gilbert's syndrome
This is an inherited condition that impairs the ability of enzymes to
process the excretion of bile.
Cholelithiasis
, This interrupts the flow of bile from the liver. The bile containing
conjugated bilirubin remains in the liver instead of being excreted.
Jaundice is classified into three types:-
i. Hemolytic jaundice
ii. Hepatic jaundice
iii. Post hepatic jaundice
HEMOLYTIC JAUNDICE
AETIOLOGY
Hemolytic jaundice is the type of jaundice that occurs because of
excessive destruction of RBC's resulting in increased blood level of free
bilirubin. In this condition the excretory function of liver is normal. But
the quantity of bilirubin increases enormously. The liver cells cannot
excrete that much excess bilirubin rapidly.
Common causes of hemolytic jaundice
● Renal disorder
● Hypersplenism
● Burns
