In jaundice that arises from cholestasis, patients may present with pruritus, dark urine, and pale stools. Posthepatic jaundice is caused by the accumulation of conjugated hyperbilirubinemia usually due to extrahepatic cholestasis from biliary obstruction. Intrahepatic jaundice may be caused by intrahepatic cholestasis, impaired bilirubin conjugation, or impaired excretion of bilirubin by the liver. Prehepatic jaundice is caused by the accumulation of unconjugated bilirubin, which is due to either increased hemoglobin breakdown or impaired hepatic uptake. Jaundice can be divided into prehepatic, intrahepatic, and posthepatic etiologies. Bilirubin deposition most commonly occurs in the skin and the sclerae and becomes apparent when bilirubin levels reach > 2 mg/dL. Hepatitis induced jaundice can be treated with steroids or antiviral drugs whereas obstructions or narrowing of the bile duct (stones) can be treated by surgical interventions depending on the severity and location.Jaundice, or icterus, is a yellowish discoloration of tissue caused by the accumulation of bilirubin deposits. Once the underlying diagnosis is established, the treatment will be decided accordingly. Taking a complete history from the patient will help to get an idea about the cause and severity of the underlying condition a thorough physical examination will elicit abdominal signs like tenderness and masses.įurthermore, investigations such as Bilirubin levels, Full blood count (FBC), Hepatitis A, B, and C tests, Ultrasound scan, MRI, CT scan and Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can be carried out to reveal possible etiological conditions giving rise to jaundice.Ī liver biopsy may be required for some patients in order to look for inflammation, cirrhosis, malignancies and fatty liver. If there is blockage of the bile duct, symptoms can include loss of weight, vomiting, fever, pale stools and dark urine. Signs and symptoms of Jaundice mainly depend on the underlying cause and generally include a yellow tinge of the skin and the whites of the eyes, pruritus (itchiness), fatigue, abdominal pain.
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