Jaundice (yellow skin color)

Description A yellow color in t...

Description

A yellow color in the skin, the mucous membranes, and the eyes. Jaundice is not a disease but a sign of disease and it has many causes. The yellow discoloration is caused by an elevation of bilirubin. Bilirubin is produced from the breakdown of red blood cells and is processed in the liver and stored in the gall bladder. Elevation occurs for many reasons, including: blockage of the bile ducts, liver disease, or increased production of bilirubin secondary to abnormal breakdown of red blood cells. Jaundice is common in the newborn and sometimes treated with the application of special lights (phototherapy).

Symptoms

Yellowing of the skin, yellowing of the eyes, yellowing of the inside of the mouth.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Determining the cause of the jaundice usually requires blood tests and imaging tests, such as abdominal ultrasound and/or an abdominal CT scan.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Lipase, Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound

Other Specific Tests: HIDA scan, liver biopsy, prothrombin time

Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Neonatal and Perinatal Medicine, Pediatric Gastroenterology

Treatment

Therapy depends on the cause of the elevated bilirubin. In newborns with only mild jaundice watchful waiting is frequently recommended since many times the jaundice self corrects itself in the first 2 weeks of life. If the level increases or continues to increase phototherapy is prescribed. Other than newborns, the elevated bilirubin itself is rarely harmful. The goals of treatment will be aimed at the underlying condition causing the jaundice.