Jaundice overview: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
'''Jaundice''' is yellowish discoloration of the [[skin]], [[conjunctiva]] (a clear covering over the [[sclera]], or whites of the eyes) and [[mucous membrane]]s caused by [[hyperbilirubinemia]] (increased levels of [[bilirubin]] in red blooded animals). Usually the concentration of bilirubin in the [[blood]] must exceed 2–3 [[milligram|mg]]/[[decilitre|dL]] for the coloration to be easily visible. | '''Jaundice''' is yellowish discoloration of the [[skin]], [[conjunctiva]] (a clear covering over the [[sclera]], or whites of the eyes) and [[mucous membrane]]s caused by [[hyperbilirubinemia]] (increased levels of [[bilirubin]] in red blooded animals). Usually the concentration of bilirubin in the [[blood]] must exceed 2–3 [[milligram|mg]]/[[decilitre|dL]] for the coloration to be easily visible. | ||
==Causes== | |||
When [[red blood cell]]s die, the [[heme]] in their [[haemoglobin]] is converted to [[bilirubin]] in the [[spleen]] and in the hepatocytes in the liver. The [[bilirubin]] is processed by the [[liver]], enters [[bile]] and is eventually excreted through [[feces]]. | |||
Consequently, there are three different classes of causes for jaundice. ''Pre-hepatic'' or ''hemolytic'' causes, where too many red blood cells are broken down, ''hepatic'' causes where the processing of [[bilirubin]] in the liver does not function correctly, and ''post-hepatic'' or ''extrahepatic'' causes, where the removal of bile is disturbed. | |||
==Diagnosis== | |||
===History and Symptoms=== | |||
Common symptoms of jaundice that the patient will notice, is yellowing of the skin, nausea, and vomiting. Specific symptoms will depend on the underlying factor that caused jaundice to occur. | |||
===CT=== | |||
Abdominal CT scan may be helpful | |||
===Other Diagnostic Studies=== | |||
Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) | |||
===Surgery=== | |||
Cholecystectomy or ERCP | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist|2}} | {{Reflist|2}} | ||
[[Category:primary care]] | [[Category:primary care]] | ||
Revision as of 19:17, 21 May 2013
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Jaundice is yellowish discoloration of the skin, conjunctiva (a clear covering over the sclera, or whites of the eyes) and mucous membranes caused by hyperbilirubinemia (increased levels of bilirubin in red blooded animals). Usually the concentration of bilirubin in the blood must exceed 2–3 mg/dL for the coloration to be easily visible.
Causes
When red blood cells die, the heme in their haemoglobin is converted to bilirubin in the spleen and in the hepatocytes in the liver. The bilirubin is processed by the liver, enters bile and is eventually excreted through feces.
Consequently, there are three different classes of causes for jaundice. Pre-hepatic or hemolytic causes, where too many red blood cells are broken down, hepatic causes where the processing of bilirubin in the liver does not function correctly, and post-hepatic or extrahepatic causes, where the removal of bile is disturbed.
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Common symptoms of jaundice that the patient will notice, is yellowing of the skin, nausea, and vomiting. Specific symptoms will depend on the underlying factor that caused jaundice to occur.
CT
Abdominal CT scan may be helpful
Other Diagnostic Studies
Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP)
Surgery
Cholecystectomy or ERCP