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Jaundice (view source)

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'''Jaundice''' or '''icterus''' refers to the yellowish discoloration of the skin, sclerae, and mucous membranes due to deposition of [[bilirubin]]. This occurs due to an increased concentration of bilirubin in the blood, called '''hyperbilirubinaemia'''. Discoloration of the sclerae occurs at lower concentrations of bilirubin than the skin.
<section begin="clinical biochemistry" />'''Jaundice''' or '''icterus''' refers to the yellowish discoloration of the skin, sclerae, and mucous membranes due to deposition of [[bilirubin]]. Jaundice is the clinical manifestation of increased concentration of bilirubin in the blood, called '''hyperbilirubinaemia'''. Discoloration of the sclerae occurs at lower concentrations of bilirubin than the skin.


The reference range of total bilirubin is 5 – 20 µmol/L. '''Scleral icterus''' (sometimes called '''subicterus''', but different definitions for subicterus exists) occurs when the bilirubin level reaches approx 40 µmol/L, while icterus occurs at approx 70 µmol/L.
The reference range of total bilirubin is 5 – 20 µmol/L. '''Scleral icterus''' (sometimes called '''subicterus''', but different definitions for subicterus exists) occurs when the bilirubin level reaches approx 40 µmol/L, while icterus occurs at approx 70 µmol/L.
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If intrahepatic jaundice is suspected, the patient should be evaluated for hepatitis, cirrhosis, and possible causes of them.
If intrahepatic jaundice is suspected, the patient should be evaluated for hepatitis, cirrhosis, and possible causes of them.


If [[Biliary obstruction|posthepatic jaundice]] is suspected, the patient should be examined with [[ultrasound]] or [[CT]]. If this shows signs of biliary obstruction by stone, an [[ERCP]] should be performed, which may remove the stone. If imaging shows signs of malignancy, surgery may be indicated.
If [[Biliary obstruction|posthepatic jaundice]] is suspected, the patient should be examined with [[ultrasound]] or [[CT]]. If this shows signs of biliary obstruction by stone, an [[ERCP]] should be performed, which may remove the stone. If imaging shows signs of malignancy, surgery may be indicated.<section end="clinical biochemistry" />
<noinclude>[[Category:Gastrointestinal surgery]]
<noinclude>
[[Category:Gastroenterology]]</noinclude>
[[Category:Gastrointestinal surgery]]
[[Category:Gastroenterology]]
</noinclude>