Jaundice

Question 1

Adults

Causes of jaundice

Answer 1

increased haemolysis

• hemolytic anemia
• G6PD
• sickle cell disease

Hepatocellular

• Hepatitis: viral, bacterial, autoimmune (e.g. Wilson’s, haemochromatosis)
• Drugs
• Cirrhosis
• Liver Cancer

obstruction

• Obstruction with Gallstone, tumour
• Gallbladder cancer
• Primary biliary cirrhosis

(Ref: Life In The Fast Lane)

Question 2

Paediatric

Answer 2

Unconjugated
1/ Physiological –> breast milk jaundice, immature liver enzymes, shorter lifespan of RBC’s
2/ Pathological
Hemolytic
> Immune –> RBO, Rhesus
> Non Immune –> Sepsis, G6PD, sickle cells

Non haemolytic 
>Sepsis 
>Cephalohaematoma 
>Polycythemia (of diabetic mothers) 
>Hypothyroidism 
>Breastfeeding   
>Gilberts 

CONJUGATED
1/ Hepatic
> Infection: Toxo, rubella, CMV, herpes, syphillis, Hep B
> Metabolic: Alpha1antitrypsin, Cystic Fibrosis,

2/ Post hepatic
>Biliary Atresia
>Choledocal cyst
>Pyloric stensosi