Bilirubin is a yellow compound produced from hemoglobin breakdown. Normal total bilirubin range is 0.2-1.2 mg/dL, direct 0-0.3 mg/dL. Bilirubin passes through two phases: albumin binding and liver conjugation
Bilirubin is a yellow compound produced from hemoglobin breakdown. It appears yellow in skin due to excess bilirubin buildup
Jaundice causes yellowish discoloration of skin, sclera and mucous membranes. Nearly 60% of newborns worldwide acquire jaundice annually. Disease affects nearly 200 million people worldwide
Elevated bilirubin (>2.5-3 mg/dL) causes jaundice. Conjugated hyperbilirubinemia affects 4-13% of US population. Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia common in newborns
Bile acids are metabolized from cholesterol in liver to form water-soluble salts. 95% of bile acids are recycled through enterohepatic circulation. Bacteria in small intestine convert bile salts to secondary forms. Each bile salt molecule is reused about 20 times during digestion
Hyperbilirubinemia is elevated blood bilirubin due to impaired metabolism. US records 52,500 jaundice patients annually. Bilirubin concentration above 3 mg/dL is considered hyperbilirubinemia