Jaundice

• Jaundice is a condition characterized by the yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood.

• It can be caused by a variety of conditions affecting the liver, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or bile duct obstruction.

• It indicates an underlying problem with the liver or bile ducts.

Visual representation of jaundice - high level of bilirubin in blood causing yellowness

Symptoms

• Jaundice is characterized by a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes due to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood.

• Other symptoms may include:

• Fatigue

• Abdominal pain

• Nausea and vomiting

• Dark urine

• Pale stools

Types

There are three main types of jaundice based on the underlying cause:

Types of Jaundice

1. Hemolytic Jaundice:

• Caused by excessive breakdown of red blood cells.

2. Hepatocellular Jaundice:

• Caused by liver dysfunction or disease.

3. Obstructive Jaundice:

• Caused by a blockage in the bile duct system.

Etiology

The underlying causes of jaundice can be grouped into three categories:

1. Pre-hepatic: Conditions that increase red blood cell breakdown, such as hemolytic anemia or sickle cell disease.

2. Hepatic: Liver diseases, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.

3. Post-hepatic: Obstruction of the bile ducts, such as gallstones or pancreatic cancer.

Pathogenesis of Jaundice

Jaundice is characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels.

1. Pre-hepatic:

• Increased bilirubin production, as seen in hemolysis, leads to elevated levels exceeding the liver's ability to conjugate and excrete it.

2. Hepatic:

• Liver diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis impair bilirubin conjugation and excretion.

• Damage to hepatocytes reduces their ability to process bilirubin.

3. Post-hepatic:

• Obstruction of bile flow, due to gallstones or tumors, prevents bilirubin excretion into the intestines, leading to its accumulation in the blood.

Pathogenesis of Jaundice

Treatment

Treatment of jaundice depends on the underlying cause:

1. Hemolytic Jaundice: Treating the underlying cause of increased red blood cell breakdown, such as blood transfusions or medication.

2. Hepatocellular Jaundice: Addressing liver dysfunction, such as antiviral medications for hepatitis, or liver transplant in severe cases.

3. Obstructive Jaundice: Removing the obstruction, such as surgery for gallstones or stenting for bile duct blockages.