What is Conjugated Bilirubin?

October 19, 2011

Bilirubin can be described as the substance which gives the bile its yellowish color. Several health experts state that it is more like a waste product that is produced by the liver, when the older cells are processed and broken down. In case the levels of bilirubin in the body rise considerably, there are several health problems that could be see, the most common one being jaundice. Most people are aware of the fact that there are two different forms of bilirubin, which include direct bilirubin and indirect bilirubin. However, not a lot of people are aware that there is something known as conjugated bilirubin too.

Conjugated bilirubin is another term that is used while referring to direct bilirubin. Medical experts describe conjugated bilirubin as the type of bilirubin that has been processed or conjugated into glucuronic acid. The production and the flow of this substance follow a particular pathway. When bilirubin is produced by the liver, it is in a lipid-soluble form; in order to be excreted from the body, it needs to be converted into the water soluble form, which called direct or conjugated bilirubin. The liver converts indirect or un-conjugated bilirubin into conjugated bilirubin, so that it can be excreted in the form of urine.

There are many factors that could cause the levels of conjugated bilirubin in the body to rise. A high level of conjugated bilirubin in the body is generally an indication of an obstruction or a medical condition such as jaundice or a hepatobiliary disease, like conjugated hyperbilirubinemia in the body. In some people, the levels of conjugated bilirubin could rise significantly, because of blockage in the bile ducts or the liver, trauma to the liver, excessive consumption of alcohol on a long term basis and drug reactions.

Conjugated Bilirubin During Pregnancy

High levels of conjugated bilirubin during pregnancy could be a cause for concern and therefore needs to be checked and treated immediately. In fact, as soon as a woman realizes that she is pregnant, it is best for her to undergo a test to determine if her level of conjugated bilirubin in conception is normal or not.

Conjugated Bilirubin In Newborn

Jaundice is a very common condition that affects several newborn babies, which is why most doctors usually monitor the levels of bilirubin in babies very closely. Low levels of conjugated bilirubin are not usually a concern, but high levels need to be treated as soon as possible.

Submitted by N on October 19, 2011 at 05:41

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