What causes elevated indirect bilirubin?
Oct 14, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Xuemei
Introduction
In general, elevated indirect bilirubin levels may be related to factors such as diet, blood type mismatched transfusion, hemolytic anemia, congenital jaundice, or alcoholic hepatitis. If symptoms are severe, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to avoid delaying treatment. In daily life, maintain healthy habits and avoid spicy or irritating foods, as they may hinder recovery.
Under normal circumstances, elevated indirect bilirubin levels may be related to diet, blood transfusion with incompatible blood types, hemolytic anemia, congenital jaundice, or alcoholic hepatitis. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Diet
Pigments in certain foods, such as carotenoids, may be converted into indirect bilirubin in the body, leading to increased indirect bilirubin levels. This is a normal condition and generally not a cause for concern.
2. Blood transfusion with incompatible blood type
When incompatible blood is transfused, hemolysis can occur, resulting in destruction of red blood cells in the body and consequently elevated levels of indirect bilirubin.
3. Hemolytic anemia
Hemolytic anemia refers to premature rupture of red blood cells in the body, releasing large amounts of free hemoglobin. This free hemoglobin is subsequently broken down into indirect bilirubin, leading to elevated indirect bilirubin levels.
4. Congenital jaundice
Congenital jaundice is usually caused by an inherent defect in liver cells that impairs their ability to uptake bilirubin. When bilirubin uptake is insufficient, indirect bilirubin accumulates in the blood, resulting in elevated levels.
5. Alcoholic hepatitis
Long-term excessive alcohol consumption can damage liver function, impairing the liver's ability to effectively conjugate indirect bilirubin into direct bilirubin. This leads to accumulation and elevated levels of indirect bilirubin.
If symptoms are severe, prompt medical attention is recommended to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment. It is also important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits and avoid spicy or irritating foods, which may hinder recovery.
