The cure for high bilirubin depends on the cause and the patient's age.
Understanding High Bilirubin
High bilirubin, also known as hyperbilirubinemia, means there is too much bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down. The liver normally processes bilirubin, but sometimes the process isn't working properly.
Treatments for High Bilirubin
Newborns
Newborns often have high bilirubin because their livers are not yet fully developed to process it efficiently. In these cases, treatments may include:
- Light therapy (phototherapy): Uses special lights to help break down bilirubin in the skin.
- IV immunoglobulin (IVIg): Used in cases where high bilirubin is due to immune-related issues.
- Blood transfusion: Replaces the newborn's blood with donor blood to reduce bilirubin levels.
| Treatment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Light Therapy | Breaks down bilirubin in the skin using special lights |
| IV Immunoglobulin | Addresses immune-related high bilirubin |
| Blood Transfusion | Replaces blood to reduce bilirubin levels |
Older Children and Adults
In older children and adults, high bilirubin typically indicates an underlying issue with the liver, gallbladder, or blood. High bilirubin can also be a side effect of medication. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause and may include:
- Addressing underlying conditions: Treating conditions like liver disease, gallbladder problems, or blood disorders.
- Medication adjustments: If medication is the cause, changing or stopping the medication may help.
Key Takeaways
- High bilirubin in newborns is often due to immature liver function.
- Treatments in newborns include light therapy, IVIg, or blood transfusions.
- In older individuals, high bilirubin may indicate liver, gallbladder, or blood problems, and treatment focuses on addressing these underlying issues.
