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What Causes Elevated Bilirubin Levels?
Hi, I am a 84 year old male, light drinker and my recent physical indicated a bilirubin score of 151 when the normal range is 100-120. Is this an indication of a problem and, if so, is there a treatment to suggest? Thank you for your attention. My name is Don McKay and the email address is YYYY@YYYY
Fri, 7 Jul 2017
Hi and welcome to Healthcaremagic. Thank you for your query. I am Dr. Rommstein, I understand your concerns and I will try to help you as much as I can
Well, high bilirubin is just a sign and not disease, and treatment depends on exact cause.
It is manifested with jaundice and is usually sign of certain liver disease.
Causes of jaundice vary from non-serious to potentially fatal. Levels of bilirubin in blood are normally below 1.0 mg/dL (17 µmol/L) and levels over 2-3 mg/dL (34-51 µmol/L) typically results in jaundice.
High bilirubin may be due to liver diseases such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, infections, medications, orblockage of the bile duct In the developed world the cause is more often blockage of the bile duct or medications.
Blockage of the bile duct may occur due to gallstones, cancer, or pancreatitis. Medical imaging such as ultrasound is useful for detecting bile duct blockage.Treatment of jaundice is typically determined by the underlying cause.
If a bile duct blockage is present surgery is typically required, otherwise management is medical.
Medical management may involve treating infectious causes and stopping medication that could be contributing. I hope I have answered you query. If you have any further questions you can contact us in every time.
Kindly regards. Wish you a good health.
Well, high bilirubin is just a sign and not disease, and treatment depends on exact cause.
It is manifested with jaundice and is usually sign of certain liver disease.
Causes of jaundice vary from non-serious to potentially fatal. Levels of bilirubin in blood are normally below 1.0 mg/dL (17 µmol/L) and levels over 2-3 mg/dL (34-51 µmol/L) typically results in jaundice.
High bilirubin may be due to liver diseases such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, infections, medications, orblockage of the bile duct In the developed world the cause is more often blockage of the bile duct or medications.
Blockage of the bile duct may occur due to gallstones, cancer, or pancreatitis. Medical imaging such as ultrasound is useful for detecting bile duct blockage.Treatment of jaundice is typically determined by the underlying cause.
If a bile duct blockage is present surgery is typically required, otherwise management is medical.
Medical management may involve treating infectious causes and stopping medication that could be contributing. I hope I have answered you query. If you have any further questions you can contact us in every time.
Kindly regards. Wish you a good health.
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