From Harrisons

JAUNDICE: DEFINITION

Yellowish discoloration of mucosal tissue, called icterus, resulting from the

deposition of bilirubin which occurs only in the presences of serum
hyperbilirubinemia

Jaundice is not usually detected until the serum bilirubin level exceeds 3.0
mg/dl

Bilirubin is an end product of hemoglobin catabolism

To facilitate its excretion in the bile, bilirubin is conjugated within the liver
to glucoronic acid

disease, many persons have a congenital predisposition to mild jaundice

(ex. Gilbert’s syndrome) that is not pathologic

Anything that you ingest will pass by the liver

EPIDEMIOLOGY(this was not discussed)

Liver and biliary diseases are the leading cause of jaundice in most
populations

Hemolysis sufficient to cause jaundice is the second major etiologic

category

Prevalence of inherited hyperbilirubinemia

Crigler-Najar Type II - More common that Type I

Conjugated hyperbilirubinemia - Found in 2 rare inherited conditions: