Bilirubinemia - what is it and what are the causes of increased bilirubin in the blood?
Bilirubin is a bile pigment that is formed by the breakdown of hemoglobin, the main component of red blood cells. Typically, bilirubin is processed in the liver and released into the bile into the intestines, where it participates in the digestion process. However, with some diseases or disorders in the body, the content of bilirubin in the blood may increase, which leads to the development of bilirubinemia.
The main reason for the increased level of bilirubin in the blood is a dysfunction of the liver, which cannot process all the red blood cells entering it and secrete bilirubin into bile. As a result, bilirubin begins to accumulate in the blood, which leads to the development of bilirubinemia.
Also, increased levels of bilirubin in the blood can be caused by other reasons, such as:
- Hemolytic anemia is a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are made, resulting in increased production of bilirubin.
- Diseases of the biliary tract - for example, cholelithiasis or a tumor of the biliary tract, which can lead to impaired excretion of bilirubin from the body.
- Hereditary diseases - for example, hemolytic disease of the newborn or genetic disorders of bilirubin metabolism.
Symptoms of bilirubinemia depend on the cause and degree of increase in bilirubin levels in the blood. However, the most common symptom of bilirubinemia is jaundice - a yellowish tint of the skin, sclera of the eyes and mucous membranes. Patients may also experience symptoms characteristic of liver dysfunction - an increase in liver size, pain in the right hypochondrium, and digestive disorders.
Treatment of bilirubinemia is aimed at eliminating its cause. In case of liver dysfunction, a special diet and drug therapy may be prescribed. Diseases of the biliary tract may require surgical intervention. For hemolytic anemia, blood transfusion or drug therapy may be prescribed.
In conclusion, bilirubinemia is a serious disease that requires timely diagnosis and treatment. If you suspect liver dysfunction or other symptoms associated with high levels of bilirubin in the blood, consult your doctor for diagnosis and effective treatment. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition and regular medical examinations can help prevent the development of bilirubinemia and other diseases of the liver and biliary tract.
Bilirubin is a blood pigment that is formed as a result of the breakdown of hemoglobin in all blood cells and organs of the body. Bilirubrin is responsible for the healthy color of our skin, teeth, sclera (the white part of the eyeball), hair, and nails. In case of liver and kidney diseases, the pigment is removed from the body more slowly.
Bilirubinomia is a pathology manifested by an increased level of bilirubin in the blood and is caused by liver disease. Those. a deficiency of liver cells that process bilirubin leads to increased accumulation of this pigment in the blood. If the bilirubin level exceeds 34.2 µmol/
Bilirubenemia is a syndrome that can be caused by various diseases and conditions. It manifests itself in an increase in the level of bilirubin, a bile pigment that is formed in the liver after the breakdown of hemoglobin. In this case, the level of bilirubin increases above normal.
Normally, the level of bilirubin substance dissolved in hemoglobin does not exceed 22 µmol per liter of blood; accordingly, the concentration of bilirubin according to Ohm’s laws should be at the level of 2-3 µmol/liter. But things don't always go so smoothly. The amount of blood is also affected by its fluidity. With increased tension in the fluid that forms the red clot, hematopoiesis slows down, but the optimal release of components that are necessary for the complete breakdown of hemoglobin into enzymes does not occur within the cells.
Bilirubinemia can be considered a reversible phenomenon. This means that it can occur as a temporary problem, or it can become chronic, depending on lifestyle and diet. Bilirubinemia is a serious disorder, so it is important to seek medical help at the first symptoms.