Hyperbilirubinemia | How to Reduce Bilirubin Level in Your Body?

Impaired bilirubin metabolism

This happens when the liver does not have the enzymatic machinery for processing bilirubin. In most cases, it is due to a hereditary defect in one or more enzymes associated with bilirubin metabolism. In such cases, hyperbilirubinemia is a problem that comes from birth, and patients develop unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia as a newborn. It is also possible to block these enzymes with inhibitor drugs such as chloramphenicol and gentamycin, which may induce a temporary hyperbilirubinemia.

Distinguishing between these causes of hyperbilirubinemia is fundamental to starting treatment. When this condition develops suddenly in adult patients, one of the leading causes doctors rule out are hemolytic disorders—for example, hemolytic anemia, autoimmune problems, and sickle cell anemia. If anemia and high bilirubin levels coexist, the diagnosis is probably related to the increased production of this substance.

In children and neonates with this condition, the first diagnosis to be ruled out is inherited disorders such as Crigler-Najjar syndrome or Gilbert syndrome. They are both problems in liver enzymes that conjugate bilirubin. They are not working as they should, and bilirubin is collecting in the blood.

In senior patients, chronic disease may also be considered. Congestive heart failure, liver damage, hyperthyroidism, and patients who consume several drugs may need additional considerations to reach a diagnosis.