Jaundice Flashcards
1
Q
What is it
A
The yellow discolouration of the mucous membranes, sclera and skin
This happens due to the accumulation of bilirubin
2
Q
At what bilirubin concentration would you see jaundice
A
> 2.5-3 mg/dL
42.8-51.3mmol/L
3
Q
Types of jaundice
A
Pre-hepatic
Hepatic
Post-hepatic
4
Q
Treatment
A
Treat underlying cause
5
Q
Complications
A
Liver failure Renal failure Sepsis Pancreatitis Biliary cirrhosis Cholangitis Kernicterus (serious complication of jaundice in neonates)
6
Q
Causes of prehepatic jaundice
A
Criger-Najjar syndrome Gilberts syndrome Haemolysis e.g. thalassaemia, sickle cell anaemia Drugs Malaria Haemolytic uraemic syndrome
7
Q
Example of drug that can cause prehepatic jaundice
A
Rifampicin
8
Q
Causes of hepatic jaundice
A
Viral and drug induced hepatitis Alcoholic liver disease Hepatic cirrhosis Primary biliary cirrhosis Leptospirosis Physiological neonatal jaundice
9
Q
Causes of posthepatic jaundice
A
Gall stones in common bile duct Pancreatic cancer Schistosomiasis Biliary atresia Cholangiocarcinoma Mirizzi's syndrome
10
Q
Investigations
A
Must determine underlying cause Appearance of urine and stool LFTs Bilirubin levels Alkaline phosphatase levels
11
Q
In what types of jaundice is urine dark and stools pale
A
Hepatic and Posthepatic
normal in prehepatic
12
Q
Describe unconjugated bilirubin levels in all types of jaundice
A
Pre-hepatic = normal or high Heaptic = high Post-hepatic = normal
