Jaundice is a medical condition that develops due to excessive production of yellow color pigment during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. The accumulation of excess bilirubin is also called hyperbilirubinemia. The word Jaundice is derived from the French term Jaune( yellow) which is characterized as skin yellowing and white eyes. Roughly about 80% destruction of erythrocytes( red blood cells) produces too much bilirubin in the blood plasma that gets deposited in the skin and subcutaneous fat. The yellow discoloration of the sclera and skin called Bilirubin exists in two forms unconjugated and conjugated that plays a critical role in diagnosing liver and blood disorders. The purpose of the blog is to briefly highlight the difference between Conjugated vs Unconjugated Bilirubin, its causes, diagnostic relevance, and treatment plan. Please move to the next sessions one by one to explore the glossary of the medical terms featured in the blog.
Understanding Bilirubin- In medical terms, when the liver cells are not able to excrete the byproduct bilirubin from the blood due to constant rupturing or breakdown of red blood cells is known as Haemolysis. The high level of bilirubin in the blood leads to jaundice or icterus. Please note that jaundice is not a disease; however, it is a symptom that underlines various conditions affecting the liver, gall bladder( a pear-shaped organ located under the liver), or pancreas( a vital organ that helps in the breakdown of food in the small intestine). Structurally, the catabolism of an iron-containing protein in the blood is called bilirubin.
Mechanism of Conjugated and Unconjugated Bilirubin- The major breakdown of the Heme molecule converts to a water-soluble( unconjugated bilirubin) through a series of enzymatic reactions. This type of bilirubin also called indirect bilirubin gets transported in the blood bound to albumin( the most abundant protein in the blood). The unconjugated bilirubin increases its water solubility by conjugating it with glucuronic acid( a sugar produced in the liver of humans). After this formation, the conjugated bilirubin is excreted into the tiny channels in the liver, called bile canaliculi, and eventually secreted into the duodenum( the first part of the intestine).
As we know there are two main types of bilirubin, therefore, in the next session, we will explore the variation between Conjugated vs Unconjugated Bilirubin along with the normal bilirubin levels.
A Comparative Analysis and Insights into Conjugated and Unconjugated Bilirubin
It is essential to know the normal bilirubin levels in adults( above 18 years) which are commonly divided in terms of conjugated and unconjugated forms.
Total Bilirubin- It ranges between 0.3 to 1.0 mg/dL.
Conjugated Bilirubin- 0.0- 0.3 mg/dL.
Unconjugated Bilirubin- It varies from 0.2- 0.8 mg/dL.
The bilirubin level in a newborn baby should be less than 0.3 mg/ dL. It is advisable to consult a practicing doctor if your newborn baby has a high bilirubin level. Moreover, elevated orange-yellow pigment levels can indicate jaundice and hyperbilirubinemia conditions in an adult. Jaundice becomes more visible when you notice dark or tea-colored urine or yellowing of skin and eyes. Now that we know the normal bilirubin levels, it is important to explore the in-depth distinction between Conjugated vs Unconjugated Bilirubin.
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I hope the article has provided important details and insights about the major forms of bilirubin, and the critical levels at which it becomes concerning. It is advisable to consult the reputed healthcare pathology center to find out the milligrams of bilirubin per deciliter of blood. Please note that different pathology center has slightly different normal bilirubin levels. Therefore, quickly seek expert advice from a well-regarded pathology center in Vadodara if you are noticing yellowing of your skin or eyes.
