The examination of bilirubin allows to identify the inclination of this substance in the blood, part of the liver profile, since it is a very common tool used to identify liver problems, bile duct disease or hemolytic anemia, since bilirubin is produced by the liver by the destruction of red blood cells.
There are the main types of bilirubin that can be measured with this review:
- Generally.
- The first test requested by your doctor measures the level of total bilirubin.
- Which makes no difference between direct and indirect.
- As these other fractional bilirubin calls are requested by your doctor if the total bilirubin level is altered.
- Try to identify whether the cause is a liver or blood problem.
- He knows more about liver function problems.
Reference values for bilirubin in the blood are
In the case of newborns these values are much higher due to the stress of childbirth, since in the first 24 hours of life indirect bilirubin values can reach 5. 2 mg / dL; in infants with a value greater than 5 mg it is likely to cause jaundice and, for this reason, special light treatment may be needed to reduce the concentration of support in the body. He knows more about neonatal jaundice.
The bilirubin test is usually requested by the doctor when there are symptoms of liver problems such as excessive fatigue, frequent nausea, vomiting, constant pain in the belly, urine darkens the yellow skin, for example.
However, this test can also be used in case of hemolytic anemia spasm that causes signs such as paleness, frequent swelling, dry skin, hair loss or weakness.
The cause of increased bilirubin in the blood varies depending on the type of bilirubin that increases:
These changes in bilirubin levels are always caused by a change in blood, however, the main causes are:
In addition, there are also cases where indirect bilirubin is increased due to a syndrome known as Gilbert syndrome, in which there is a genetic alteration that prevents the liver from properly removing bilirubin.
When there is an increase in direct bilirubin it is usually a sign of a problem in the liver or the bile ducts, in this way some of the main causes are:
Excessive use of drugs that affect the liver, such as acetaminophen, can also lead to an increase in this type of bilirubin in the blood.