can u tell me what is the difference between total bilirubin & direct bilirubin...how are they related to each other...like if the total bilirubin increases is it necessary that direct bilirubin will also increase?
2006-09-02 02:58:47 · 2 answers · asked by Pakode 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
Speak to a consultant that specialises in the Liver.
2006-09-02 03:04:30 · answer #1 · answered by calamity 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Total bilirubin is the sum of direct and indirect bilirubin. Direct bilirubin is also called conjugated bilirubin. Bilirubin is the result of breakdown of red blood cells. They usually live for 120 days and then the liver and spleen break them down. Conjugation of bilirubin takes place in the liver - making direct bilirubin.
An increase in total bilirubin usually indicates an increase in RBC destruction - Hemolytic Disease of Newborn, Hemolytic Anemia, Transfusion Reaction and Sickle Cell Anemia are examples. When Liver is unable to conjugate bilirubin then the indirect bilirubin increases (the total - direct bilirubin). This helps to pinpoint the cause of jaundice - liver or hemolytic process. Jaundice is a visible sign of excess bilirubin and is yellowing skin, yellow eyes, and very bright yellow urine.
Newborns may be jaundiced because the immature liver is not yet handling the break down of bilirubin OR the newborn may be suffering from Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn - often because of an ABO incompatibility - but in the past the result of RH Disease.
2006-09-02 10:59:24 · answer #2 · answered by petlover 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋