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Jaundice To Liver Fibrosis: Here Are Some Serious Consequences Of High Bilirubin
High bilirubin levels, a condition known as hyperbilirubinemia, can have significant consequences on human health. Bilirubin is a leftover product created by the liver during the breakdown of red blood cells. Normally, it is processed by the liver and excreted in bile, which is then eliminated from the body through faeces. As per WebMd normal total bilirubin levels in persons over the age of 18 can reach 1.2 milligrammes per deciliter (mg/dl) of blood. The typical amount for those below the age of 18 is 1 mg/dl.
However, when bilirubin levels become elevated, it can lead to a range of health consequences.
JaundiceOne of the primary consequences of high bilirubin levels is jaundice, a condition characterised by the yellowing of the skin and eyes. Jaundice is often the first noticeable sign of high bilirubin level.
hyperbilirubinemia and can result from various underlying causes, such as liver disease, hepatitis, or hemolytic anaemia. A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology (2019) found that jaundice due to hyperbilirubinemia can impact the quality of life of affected individuals, leading to physical discomfort, fatigue, and psychological distress.
Effect On Central Nervous SystemHigh bilirubin levels can also have detrimental effects on the central nervous system (CNS). Bilirubin has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in brain tissues, leading to a condition called bilirubin encephalopathy or kernicterus. Kernicterus is a rare but serious condition that can cause permanent neurological damage, especially in newborns with immature liver function. A review article published in the journal Seminars in Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (2018) highlighted that untreated hyperbilirubinemia in newborns can result in long-term consequences, including hearing loss, movement disorders, and developmental delays.
Also read: What Causes Yellow Eyes or Jaundice Eyes? Know All About This Eye Condition
Cardiovascular DiseaseHigh bilirubin levels have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A study published in the journal Atherosclerosis (2017) found that elevated bilirubin levels were associated with an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the build-up of plaque in arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to vital organs. The study suggested that bilirubin may have a protective effect against atherosclerosis, as it acts as an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. However, when bilirubin levels are too high, it can potentially lead to adverse effects on cardiovascular health.
Increased levels of high bilirubin can impact liver function and lead to liver damage. A study published in the Journal of Hepatology (2016) found that elevated bilirubin levels were associated with an increased risk of liver fibrosis, which is the formation of scar tissue in the liver. Liver fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis, a severe form of liver disease that can have life-threatening consequences. The study suggested that bilirubin levels may be a potential marker for liver fibrosis progression and can help identify individuals at risk for liver-related complications.
Moreover, high bilirubin levels have been associated with an increased risk of neonatal mortality. According to a study published in the journal Pediatrics (2014), elevated bilirubin levels in newborns were associated with an increased risk of death, particularly in premature infants. The study highlighted the importance of monitoring bilirubin levels in newborns and implementing appropriate interventions to prevent the detrimental consequences of hyperbilirubinemia.
Also read: Doctor Debunks Common Jaundice Myths and Facts
TakeawayIf the level of bilirubin increases abnormally then it can have significant consequences on human health. Scientific research published in various journals has shown that hyperbilirubinemia can result in jaundice, neurological damage, increased cardiovascular risk, liver damage and neonatal mortality. Timely detection and management of elevated bilirubin levels are crucial to prevent these adverse effects. It is important to seek advice from healthcare providers in order to know about the consequences of high bilirubin.
Newborn Jaundice
Newborn jaundice is a common and usually harmless condition in which your new baby's skin and eyes look yellow. About 60% of babies get it.
Jaundice happens when too much bilirubin, a chemical that red blood cells release during their normal breakdown process, builds up in the blood. Sometimes it goes away on its own, or your doctor may suggest light therapy or other treatments to knock it out.
Some of the body's red blood cells break down every day and create bilirubin in the blood. It's the liver's job to filter it out of the bloodstream. When your baby is still in your womb, your liver clears out their bilirubin for them. After birth, your baby's liver takes over.
Sometimes, your newborn's liver can't break down bilirubin as quickly as their body makes it, and it starts to build up. Because bilirubin is a yellow compound, it turns your baby's skin and eyes yellow. It can also happen if the bile ducts are blocked or scarred, a condition called biliary atresia.
Babies have a greater chance of getting jaundice if they're:
Jaundice typically shows up 2 or 3 days after your baby is born and goes away within the first couple of weeks. Some types may show up sooner or much later.
Breastfeeding jaundice happens because your baby isn't eating enough. Your milk may not have come in yet or your baby is having trouble latching on. The more your baby eats, the more quickly their body clears waste, including bilirubin, from their system.
Breast milk jaundice appears after the first week. Doctors don't know exactly why it happens, but they think something in breast milk keeps your baby's liver from processing bilirubin effectively. This kind of jaundice can last for several months.
More serious kinds of jaundice are caused by a disease or condition, such as:
Jaundice may also happen if a mom has a different blood type from their baby. If that's your situation, your body may make antibodies that attack and break down your baby's red blood cells. In some cases, you can help prevent this by getting special shots when you're pregnant.
The telltale sign of jaundice is a yellow color to your baby's skin and yellow in the whites of their eyes. It typically starts on the face. Once bilirubin levels in the blood get higher, the yellow color moves to the chest and stomach, and then, finally, the legs and arms. Jaundice may be harder to notice on dark skin, so check the whites of your baby's eyes and under your baby's tongue to see if those areas look yellowish.
Severe jaundice can be an emergency situation, so call your doctor right away if:
Usually, a doctor can tell your baby has jaundice by looking. But they'll also want to know how much bilirubin is in your baby's blood to help decide on a treatment plan. They may:
If your doctor suspects that a condition is causing your baby's jaundice, they may do other tests, like:
In many cases, jaundice goes away on its own in 1 to 2 weeks. Your doctor will decide whether your baby should wait it out or start treatments like:
Extra feedings. Taking in more breast milk or formula will help your baby poop more often, which can help clear out bilirubin from the body. Or, if your baby is having trouble breastfeeding, your doctor may recommend you feed them breast milk from a bottle or also feed them formula.
Phototherapy. The doctor puts your baby under blue-green lights. It can help bilirubin leave their body in their urine. They'll wear a diaper only so that most of their skin can soak up the light. They'll wear patches to protect their eyes. The light may come from a special pad or mattress that puts out blue-green light.
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). If your baby's jaundice happens because they have a different blood type from their mom, your doctor may need to give them a blood protein through an IV that helps stop the breakdown of red blood cells.
Exchange transfusion. If your baby has severe jaundice that isn't getting better with other methods, they may need a blood transfusion called an exchange transfusion. In this process, your doctor repeatedly draws small amounts of your baby's blood and replaces it with blood from a donor. Your baby will need to stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for the procedure. It's rare for babies to need this level of treatment for jaundice.
Don't hesitate to get your baby checked if you notice signs of jaundice. It's rare, but if severe jaundice is left untreated, bilirubin can enter the brain and cause permanent damage. This condition is called kernicterus, a complication that includes:
There isn't much you can do to prevent the typical jaundice in newborns. But you can help move it along by being sure your baby is well fed. If you're breastfeeding, aim for 8-12 feedings a day in the first days of your baby's life. If you're formula feeding, offer 1-2 ounces every 2-3 hours. Exposing your baby to sunlight also helps break down indirect bilirubin. Sit by the window indoors with your baby or take your baby for a stroll in the stroller if it is a nice day with sunshine.
Jaundice Directory
Many newborn babies develop jaundice, a condition in which the skin and whites of the eyes are yellowish in color, within a few days after birth. The jaundice is caused by elevated levels of bilirubin, a substance made from the breakdown of old red blood cells that is normally removed by the liver. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about newborn jaundice, what it looks like, how it is treated, complications, and much more.
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