Why is direct bilirubin elevated?

The causes of elevated direct bilirubin levels are varied, mainly including the following aspects: 1. Physiological factors: Such as intense physical activity, alcohol consumption, and other activities that may increase the burden on the liver, leading to abnormal liver metabolism function and consequently causing transient elevation of direct bilirubin. In addition, due to immature liver development, newborns may also develop physiological jaundice,表现为 elevated direct bilirubin levels. 2. Pathological factors: Such as bile duct obstruction caused by cholangitis, gallstones, or other conditions that hinder bile excretion, resulting in increased direct bilirubin levels due to its inability to be excreted. Another example is hemolytic jaundice; when excessive red blood cells are destroyed, large amounts of indirect bilirubin are produced in the body, exceeding the liver cells' capacity for conversion, resulting in the retention and elevation of direct bilirubin in the blood. 3. Impact of diseases: Liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis can reduce the liver's ability to uptake, convert, and excrete direct bilirubin, thereby causing elevated levels.