What does it mean if direct bilirubin is high?
Disease description:
I went for a medical checkup, and the results showed that my direct bilirubin level was high. I don't usually feel unwell and don't quite understand what's going on. I'd like to know what this elevated value means—does it indicate a serious health problem?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Gao Jun
Elevated direct bilirubin levels may result from physiological factors or be caused by diseases.
Direct bilirubin, also known as conjugated bilirubin, is a water-soluble substance formed in the liver when bilirubin combines with glucuronic acid. In healthy individuals, direct bilirubin levels may temporarily rise after eating and then return to normal. Newborns may also exhibit physiological elevation within two weeks after birth. Certain medications or toxins can damage liver cells and interfere with the normal metabolism of bilirubin.
In addition, liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis can damage liver cells, reducing their ability to process, uptake, and excrete direct bilirubin, leading to elevated levels. Biliary obstruction caused by conditions such as gallstones or bile duct cancer can prevent direct bilirubin from being excreted through the bile ducts, forcing it to enter the bloodstream and resulting in elevated serum direct bilirubin levels.
Elevated direct bilirubin is often accompanied by increased total bilirubin. A comprehensive analysis combining clinical symptoms and other diagnostic test results is necessary to determine the underlying cause and formulate an appropriate treatment plan.
