What Causes High Bilirubin Levels in Blood?
March 5, 2024 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
High bilirubin levels in the blood, a condition known as hyperbilirubinemia, can occur due to various underlying factors. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells and is processed by the liver. Elevated bilirubin levels may result from issues with the production, processing, or excretion of bilirubin. Here are some common causes:
- Hemolysis:
- Increased breakdown of red blood cells, known as hemolysis, releases more bilirubin into the bloodstream. Conditions such as hemolytic anemia, sickle cell disease, and thalassemia can contribute to elevated bilirubin levels.
- Liver Disorders:
- Liver diseases that impair the liver’s ability to process bilirubin can lead to hyperbilirubinemia. Examples include hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease, and liver tumors.
- Gilbert’s Syndrome:
- Gilbert’s syndrome is a genetic condition that affects the enzyme responsible for processing bilirubin. Individuals with Gilbert’s syndrome may experience periodic increases in bilirubin levels, particularly during times of stress or illness.
- Dubin-Johnson Syndrome:
- This is a rare genetic disorder characterized by impaired bilirubin transport within the liver, leading to elevated bilirubin levels.
- Crigler-Najjar Syndrome:
- Crigler-Najjar syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that causes a deficiency of the enzyme responsible for converting bilirubin into a water-soluble form. This can lead to severe hyperbilirubinemia.
- Obstruction of the Bile Ducts:
- Conditions that block the flow of bile from the liver to the intestines, such as gallstones or tumors in the bile ducts, can result in elevated bilirubin levels.
- Hepatotoxic Drugs:
- Certain medications, such as some antibiotics, antivirals, and chemotherapeutic agents, can cause liver damage and contribute to hyperbilirubinemia.
- Infections:
- Infections affecting the liver, such as viral hepatitis (hepatitis B, hepatitis C), can lead to inflammation and impaired bilirubin processing.
- Hemorrhage:
- Severe internal bleeding can release large amounts of hemoglobin from red blood cells, leading to increased bilirubin levels.
- Neonatal Jaundice:
- Newborns often experience physiological jaundice due to the normal breakdown of fetal red blood cells. In most cases, this is temporary and resolves on its own.
- Hypothyroidism:
- Underactive thyroid function can contribute to reduced bilirubin clearance by the liver, leading to elevated levels.
It’s important to note that hyperbilirubinemia can be a symptom rather than a specific diagnosis. The underlying cause needs to be determined through medical evaluation, which may include blood tests, imaging studies, and other diagnostic measures. Treatment will depend on the specific condition causing elevated bilirubin levels. Individuals with persistent or unexplained hyperbilirubinemia should seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and management.