Jaundice is a clinical condition characterized by yellow pigmentation of the skin, sclera (whites of the eyes), and mucous membranes caused by hyperbilirubinemia (excessive accumulation of bilirubin in blood). It is a major clinical sign of underlying liver, gallbladder, or hematological dysfunction.
Causes of Jaundice & Liver Disease
1. Hepatic (Liver-Related) Causes
- Viral Hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E): Viral infections causing acute/chronic hepatic inflammation.
- Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD / NAFLD): Excess fat accumulation leading to steatohepatitis.
- Liver Cirrhosis: End-stage chronic liver scarring from prolonged inflammation.
- Toxic / Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Paracetamol overdose, herbal toxins, or hepatotoxic medications.
- Liver Cancer: Hepatocellular carcinoma or metastatic liver tumors.
2. Extra-Hepatic & Hemolytic Causes
- Gallbladder & Biliary Obstruction: Gallstones (cholelithiasis), bile duct strictures, or pancreatic head tumors blocking bile flow.
- Hemolysis: Rapid breakdown of red blood cells producing excess unconjugated bilirubin.
- Genetic Disorders: Gilbert’s syndrome or Crigler-Najjar syndrome affecting bilirubin conjugation.
Symptoms
- Yellowing of skin, sclera, and oral mucosa
- Dark tea-colored or cola-colored urine
- Pale, light, or clay-colored stools
- Chronic fatigue, generalized weakness, and loss of appetite
- Nausea, vomiting, and upper right quadrant abdominal pain
- Abdominal swelling (Ascites) and leg edema
- Severe cutaneous itching (Pruritus) due to bile salt deposition
Diagnostic Evaluation
- Liver Function Tests (LFTs): Serum Total & Direct Bilirubin, ALT, AST, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Gamma-GT, Serum Albumin.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) & Coagulation Profile: Evaluates anemia, hemolysis, and PT/INR clotting function.
- Viral Hepatitis Serology Panel: Anti-HAV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV tests.
- Diagnostic Imaging: Abdominal Ultrasound, CT Scan, MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography).
- Liver Biopsy: Assesses liver fibrosis, inflammation, or malignancy.
Treatment & Liver Care Protocol
- Supportive Care: High fluid hydration, complete alcohol & smoking cessation, liver-friendly low-fat diet.
- Medical Therapy: Direct-acting antivirals for Hepatitis B/C; Spironolactone/Furosemide diuretics for ascites; Cholestyramine for pruritus.
- Surgical Interventions: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for gallstone obstruction; ERCP for stent placement; Liver Transplantation for end-stage cirrhosis.
