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What Removes Bilirubin?

Published in Liver Function 3 mins read

The liver is the primary organ responsible for removing bilirubin from the blood. It processes and eliminates this yellow pigment, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown, through a process involving bile excretion into the intestines for eventual elimination from the body.

How the Liver Removes Bilirubin: A Step-by-Step Process

  1. Red Blood Cell Breakdown: When old red blood cells die, they release bilirubin.
  2. Liver Uptake: The liver efficiently captures bilirubin from the bloodstream.
  3. Conjugation: The liver modifies bilirubin to make it water-soluble.
  4. Excretion: The liver releases the modified bilirubin into bile, which is then transported to the intestines.
  5. Elimination: Bilirubin is ultimately eliminated from the body through the feces.

When Bilirubin Removal is Impaired

A newborn's liver may not be fully developed, leading to less efficient bilirubin removal. This can cause a buildup, resulting in jaundice. In adults, liver disease or other conditions can also impair the liver's ability to process and eliminate bilirubin effectively. Various treatments, including phototherapy and sometimes fluid administration, can assist in managing high bilirubin levels in these cases. [See references below for details on treatment of Jaundice].

  • Phototherapy: Babies with jaundice are often placed under special lights to help break down bilirubin. [See Nemours KidsHealth, MedlinePlus, and HealthyChildren.org references].
  • Fluid Administration: Dehydration can worsen bilirubin levels, so ensuring adequate hydration is important. [See Nemours KidsHealth reference].
  • Medical Interventions: In some cases, more advanced medical interventions may be necessary to address underlying causes or facilitate bilirubin removal. [See Nature, Wiley Online Library, and UpToDate references].

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