Abstract

Dr. Mary Chandrika Anton*

ABSTRACT

Jaundice is due to increased bilirubin levels in the blood which is called hyperbilirubinemia. Jaundice is of three types: pre-hepatic, hepatic(hepatocellular) and, post-hepatic. Jaundice in adults is caused by various conditions which affects the red blood cells, the liver cells, bile ducts within the liver, and the common bile duct outside the liver. Three patients were presented with very high bilirubin levels in the department of general medicine, Sree Balaji medical College and hospital. Among them two males had alcohol-induced liver disease, female had viral hepatitis with occasional abdomen pain as their only symptoms. Their sclera had yellowish discoloration. Both the patients were conscious and well oriented without any other signs of such high levels of bilirubin. These high levels were estimated after diluting and processing the samples as the linearity of bilirubin detection was very much less than the patients’ bilirubin levels. Adults with very high serum hyperbilirubinemia can be released with dilutions without hesitation or delay, according to these case reports. These findings will raise the awareness of laboratory biochemists and treating physicians to the presence of such high values in patients who do not exhibit the associated symptoms.