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Diagnosis and Management
Overview of Jaundice
Jaundice is the yellowish staining of the skin, sclera (the whites of the eyes) and mucus membranes that is caused by high levels of bilirubin in blood. The discoloration is detected clinically once the serum bilirubin level rises above 3 mg/ dL (51.3 µmol/L).1 Jaundice in an adult patient can be caused by a variety of benign or life-threatening disorders. A warning sign of hepatobiliary disease, it might also occur in the setting of cardiac, hematologic or pancreatic disorders.2
The laboratory work-up, which begin with a urine test for bilirubin, may proceed to abdominal imaging by ultrasonography or computed tomographic scanning. Occasionally, more invasive procedures such as cholangiography or liver biopsy may be needed to arrive at a diagnosis. The management of jaundice requires a diagnosis of the specific cause and therapy directed at the specific cause.
Clinical Features (Symptoms of Jaundice)
Patients with infectious jaundice present with fever, chills, abdominal pain and flu-like symptoms. Patients with noninfectious jaundice may complain of weight loss or pruritus. Abdominal pain is the most common symptom in patients with pancreatic or biliary tract cancers.2 In viral hepatitis and obstructive jaundice, pale stool and darkening urine precede the jaundice.
Diagnosis and Management of Jaundice
The initial work-up depends on whether the hyperbilirubinemia is conjugated or unconjugated. Presence of bilirubin in urinalysis indicates conjugated bilirubinemia. The findings of urinalysis should be confirmed with serum total and direct bilirubin levels. If the complete blood count and tests for liver function and infectious hepatitis are unrevealing, the work-up should include ultrasonography. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and computed tomographic scanning are performed as follow-up studies only when necessary.
Liver biopsy is done mostly for determining prognosis and when imaging studies fail to lead to a confirmed diagnosis. It can be particularly helpful in diagnosing autoimmune hepatitis or biliary tract disorders. The treatment is based on the etiology of jaundice and includes removal of causative medications or toxins, therapy for the underlying liver disease or surgery for extrahepatic obstruction.
Question and Answers
Does alcohol cause jaundice
| Healthy videos relating to jaundice |
How to diagnose Jaundice
Do’s and Don’ts
Decrease protein intake sharply
Increase intake of carbohydrates
In case of obstructive jaundice, consume a nutritious, balanced diet (avoiding high-fat foods) and frequent small meals.
To decrease pruritus, frequently bathe, apply an antipruritic lotion, such as calamine; and take diphenhydramine or hydroxyzine, after asking your doctor
Advice from your physician
- Discontinue and avoid potentially hepatotoxic medications
- Supportive care for viral hepatitis
- Rehydrate/refeed for Gilbert's syndrome
- Consider steroids in fulminant alcoholic hepatitis
- Cholecystectomy or ERCP with stone removal for obstructing gallstones
- Treat underlying causes of hemolysis or other disorders
- Antibiotics for cholangitis, sepsis
- Hydroxyurea and folate for sickle cell disease, prevent crises by adequate hydration, vaccinating against diseases, and try to prevent other infections
Written by Healthplus24 team
Date last Modified: Aug 26, 2011
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1. Roche SP, Kobos R. Jaundice in the adult patient. Am Fam Physician. 2004; 69(2): 299–304.
2. Langeloh L, Hinrichsen H. Main symptom jaundice—differential diagnosis at the bedside. Med Klin (Munich). 2007; 102(1): 37–47.
3. Reichel C, Grünhage F. Differential diagnosis of jaundice. MMW Fortschr Med. 2006; 148(3): 37–40.
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