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Can Cystic Fibrosis Cause High Bilirubin Levels?

Posted on Sat, 4 Oct 2014

Question: My 16 year old son has a bilirubin level of 3. He was thought to have Cystic Fibrosis when he was 9 yrs. old, due to rectal prolapse. He had an Ambry test and it shows that he is just a CF Carrier. He just had an ultrasound of his liver, gall bladder and other organs and all looked fine. I am taking him to a gastroenterologist at the request of his primary care doctor. What questions should I ask the gastro. Not sure what causes the bilirubin to be high.

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Detail Follows.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
Welcome to HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney. I understand your concern.
There are 2 possibilities:
1. Jaundice is due to cystic fibrosis.
2. Jaundice is due to some other cause like Viral Hepatitis that is unrelated to Cystic Fibrosis.
You should ask him for following tests:
1. Semen analysis- to check for sperm motility problems that can happen in cystic fibrosis.
2. Hepatitis Markers particularly for Hepatitis B and C.
3. Complete Liver function test to see for levels of ALT and AST.
All this would clear the picture.
If you have any further query please ask me.
Stay Healthy.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (1 hour later)

I cannot get an appointment until December 23rd with the specialist. Is it OK to wait that long, or should I find someone else to go with.

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Detail Follows.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend
That's way long.
You should not wait.
Get him investigated at least at your level. If bilirubin is increasing then you would require immediate consultation. If it is on decreasing trend then you can wait.
If you have any further query please ask me.
Stay Healthy

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar