Jaundice :Definition, diagnosis, Causes.

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JAUNDICE
What Is Jaundice? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Holly Pevzner
ByHolly Pevzner
Grant Chu, MD
Medically Reviewed byGrant Chu, MDon April 20, 2023

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Jaundice is a condition that causes the skin and the whites of the eyes to turn yellow.[1]
It occurs when a yellow substance called bilirubin builds up in the blood. Bilirubin forms when hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen) is broken down.[2] It binds with bile in the liver and moves into the digestive tract, where it is mostly eliminated in stool. (A small amount is eliminated in urine.) However, if bilirubin cannot travel through the liver and bile ducts quickly enough, it accumulates in the blood and is deposited in the skin, eyes, and other tissues, which leads to jaundice.
Jaundice is common in newborns. When babies have jaundice, it usually goes away on its own, but in some cases, it can become severe and cause bigger issues. It can also occur in adults from specific diseases, MENU
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JAUNDICE
What Is Jaundice? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Holly Pevzner
ByHolly Pevzner
Grant Chu, MD
Medically Reviewed byGrant Chu, MDon April 20, 2023

Jump to Topics (10)
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Duration
Treatment

Expand to See All Topics
Jaundice is a condition that causes the skin and the whites of the eyes to turn yellow.[1]
It occurs when a yellow substance called bilirubin builds up in the blood. Bilirubin forms when hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen) is broken down.[2] It binds with bile in the liver and moves into the digestive tract, where it is mostly eliminated in stool. (A small amount is eliminated in urine.) However, if bilirubin cannot travel through the liver and bile ducts quickly enough, it accumulates in the blood and is deposited in the skin, eyes, and other tissues, which leads to jaundice.
Jaundice is common in newborns. When babies have jaundice, it usually goes away on its own, but in some cases, it can become severe and cause bigger issues. It can also occur in adults from specific diseases, MENU
Everyday Health Logo
NEWSLETTERS

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JAUNDICE
What Is Jaundice? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Holly Pevzner
ByHolly Pevzner
Grant Chu, MD
Medically Reviewed byGrant Chu, MDon April 20, 2023

Jump to Topics (10)
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Duration
Treatment

Expand to See All Topics
Jaundice is a condition that causes the skin and the whites of the eyes to turn yellow.[1]
It occurs when a yellow substance called bilirubin builds up in the blood. Bilirubin forms when hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen) is broken down.[2] It binds with bile in the liver and move

1. Jaundice Definition of Jaundice. symptoms and diagnosis . Classification of Jaundice . Causes. Treatment.

2. What is the Jaundice? Jaundice Or( icterus ) is a medical condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and the Sclera of the eyes. It occurs when there is an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells, in the bloodstream .

3. This yellow discoloration is a key indicator of jaundice, which can be caused by various underlying factors, including liver diseases, blood disorders, or obstruction of the bile ducts. *Biochemical Jaundice usually does not pose a danger to the body*

4. Newborn Jaundice : Jaundice is one of the most common conditions needing medical attention in newborn babies, Approximately 60% of infant term and 80% of preterm babies

5. If the clinical Jaundice in newborns not treated quickly and the bilirubin Levels become too high, it will cause health complications and lead to kernicterus!.

6. Symptoms of Jaundice Yellowing of the skin and eyes. Dark urine. Fatigue. Abdominal pain or swelling. Itchy skin. Nausea and vomiting.

7. Diagnosis of Jaundice 1 - Physical examination: Checking for yellowing of the skin and eyes. 2 - Blood tests: Measuring levels of bilirubin and other liver function markers. 3 - Liver biopsy: Taking a sample of liver tissue for analysis, if necessary.

8. Diagnosis of Jaundice 4 - Evaluation of medical history and symptoms. 5 - Imaging tests: Such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI and HIDA Scan to visualize the liver and bile ducts.

9. The differential diagnosis for yellowing of the skin, include : Jaundice. Carotenoderma . Use of the drug quinacrine . Excessive exposure to phenols.

10. There are two types of hyperbilirubinemia : Indirect hyperbilirubinemia or unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia - Haemolytic disorders -ineffective erythropoiesis -drugs - inherted conditions -excessive bilirubin in bloodstream

11. Direct hyperbilirubinemia ( inherted condition) or conjugated hyperbilirubinemia : - Dubin -Johnson syndrome -Rotor syndrome -Decrease intrahepatic excretion of bilirubin - Extrahepatic cholestasis ( bilary obstruction)

12. Direct hyperbilirubinemia Indirect hyperbilirubinemia

13. Causes of Jaundice : 1. Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver due to viral infections (hepatitis A, B, C, etc.). 2. Liver cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver tissue, often due to chronic liver disease. 3. Bile duct obstruction: Blockage of the bile ducts by gallstones, tumors, or other factors. 4. Hemolytic anemia: Increased breakdown of red blood cells, leading to excess bilirubin production.

14. 5. Gilbert’s syndrome: A genetic condition resulting in mild jaundice due to impaired bilirubin processing. 6. Alcoholic liver disease: Liver damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption. 7. Autoimmune hepatitis: The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the liver.

15. 8. Medications: Some drugs can cause liver damage or interfere with bilirubin metabolism. 9. Infections: Other infections, such as malaria or sepsis, can lead to jaundice.
10. Congenital conditions: Rare genetic disorders affecting liver function or bile duct development .

16. treatment the Jaundice : The treatment of jaundice depends on its underlying cause and severity. Here are some general approaches: 1- Phototherapy: Commonly used for newborns with jaundice, phototherapy involves exposing the baby's skin to special lights that help break down bilirubin.

17. 2- Addressing Underlying Causes: Treatment may involve addressing the specific condition causing jaundice. For example, if it’s due to liver disease, medications or other interventions may be necessary. 3- Fluids and Nutrition: Adequate hydration and nutrition are crucial, especially in newborns. Ensuring proper feeding, whether through breastfeeding or formula, helps the liver function efficiently.

18. 4 - Medications: In certain cases, medications may be used to promote bilirubin excretion. 5 - Blood Transfusion: In severe cases or when other treatments are ineffective, a blood transfusion may be necessary to replace damaged red blood cells or address blood-related disorders.

19. 6 - Prevention: Discuss preventive measures, such as vaccination against hepatitis, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding exposure to certain toxins or infections.

20. 7- Surgery: In cases where an obstruction in the bile ducts is the cause of jaundice, surgical procedures may be necessary to remove the obstruction or improve bile flow.

21. Thank You Done by : 1-Jalal K. Abd 2- Omar Q. Sami 3- Abd-alhameed Salih