JAUNDICE

 

Objectives this article:  By the end of this article, the learner will be able to; 

1.  understand the cause of the yellow color that appear in mucous membranes.

2.  Explain the role of the liver in elimination of bilirubin

INTRODUCTION: Jaundice is not a disease, but rather a sign caused by excessive accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. Because one of the liver’s many functions is the excretion of bilirubin, jaundice may be a sign of liver disease such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. Hepatitis

This may be called hepatic jaundice, because the problem is with the liver. Other types of jaundice are prehepatic jaundice and posthepatic jaundice: The name of each tells us where the problem is. Recall that bilirubin is the waste product formed from the heme portion of the hemoglobin of old RBCs. Hemoglobin: The human red blood cells

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: Prehepatic jaundice means that the problem is “before” the liver; that is, hemolysis of RBCs is taking place at a more rapid rate. Rapid hemolysis is characteristic of sickle cell anemia, malaria, and Rh disease of the newborn; these are hemolytic anemias. Sickle cell anaemia: Rh disease of the newborn

As excessive numbers of RBCs are destroyed, bilirubin is formed at a faster rate than the liver can excrete it. The bilirubin that the liver cannot excrete remains in the blood and causes jaundice. Another name for this type is hemolytic jaundice.

Posthepatic jaundice means that the problem is “after” the liver. The liver excretes bilirubin into bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and then moved to the small intestine. If the bile ducts are obstructed, perhaps by gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder, bile cannot pass to the small intestine and backs up in the liver. Bilirubin may then be reabsorbed back into the blood and cause jaundice. Another name for this type is obstructive jaundice.

RELATED;

1.  THE CYTOCHROME P450 ENZYME SYSTEM  

2.  CATALASE

3.  FUNCTIONS OF THE LIVER

4.  MEDICAL CONDITIONS

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