Jaundice: Cause of alarm

Background Jaundice is the clinical manifestation of hyperbilirubinaemia, considered as a sign of either liver disease or, less often, a haemolytic disorder. It is classified as obstructive and non-obstructive, according to the increase of indirect (non-conjugated) or of direct (conjugated) bilirubi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inHellenic journal of surgery Vol. 84; no. 3; pp. 160 - 171
Main Authors Kontzoglou, K., Angelousi, A., Stefanaki, Ch, Sargedi, C., Spiridopoulou, K., Tsaknaki, S., Stamatakos, M.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Vienna Springer Vienna 11.08.2012
Subjects
Life Sciences
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Review Article
Surgery
Jaundice
Pregnancy
Bilirubin
Icterus
Obstruction
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Summary:Background Jaundice is the clinical manifestation of hyperbilirubinaemia, considered as a sign of either liver disease or, less often, a haemolytic disorder. It is classified as obstructive and non-obstructive, according to the increase of indirect (non-conjugated) or of direct (conjugated) bilirubin, respectively, but can also present as mixed type. Methods This article updates the current knowledge on the aetiology of jaundice, pathophysiologic mechanisms and complications by reviewing the latest medical literature. Results Treatment is consistent in the management of subjective diseases responsible for jaundice and its complications. Studies have shown that the severity of jaundice and the presence of malignant disease are important risk factors for postoperative mortality. Conclusions Early detection of jaundice is of vital importance because of its involvement, both in malignancy and in benign conditions, which mandates immediate treatment to avoid further complications.
ISSN:0018-0092
1868-8845
DOI:10.1007/s13126-012-0019-8