Risks of High Bilirubin Levels
Disease description:
Recently, I went to the hospital for a routine blood test and found that my bilirubin level was very high. I am worried this may cause harm to my body. Please advise, what are the risks associated with elevated bilirubin levels?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Elevated bilirubin levels may cause various harmful effects.
1. It may induce anemia, as bilirubin binds to lipids in cell membranes, affecting red blood cell function and potentially leading to hemolytic anemia.
2. High bilirubin levels can impair liver function, causing jaundice, and in severe cases, may progress to cirrhosis, significantly affecting liver function.
3. Accumulation of bilirubin in the body may also cross the blood-brain barrier and enter brain tissue, causing damage to the central nervous system, such as bilirubin encephalopathy, manifested as vomiting, convulsions, and other symptoms.
4. Elevated bilirubin levels may also lead to abnormal kidney function, impaired immune function, cellular oxidative damage, and abnormalities in the reproductive system.
These complications significantly affect patients' daily lives and health status; therefore, timely medical evaluation and targeted treatment should be sought once elevated bilirubin levels are detected.
