Jaundice

Question 1

describe what jaundice is

Answer 1

yellowing of the skin due to bilirubin

Question 2

what different sites is jaundice classified by

Answer 2

pre-hepatic, hepatic and post-hepatic

Question 3

what different types is jaundice classified as

Answer 3

unconjugated or conjugated

Question 4

what mechanism is the cause of pre-hepatic jaundice

Answer 4

to much haem to break down

Question 5

what is always the cause of pre-hepatic jaundice

Answer 5

haemolysis

Question 6

what is the mechanism that causes hepatic jaundice

Answer 6

liver cells are injured or dead

Question 7

what is the mechanism that causes post-hepatic jaundice

Answer 7

bile cannot escape into the bile duct due to obstruction of biliary tract

Question 8

what are some causes of hepatic jaundice

Answer 8

acute liver failure, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, pregnancy

Question 9

what are some causes of post-hepatic jaundice

Answer 9

biliary stricture, tumour blocking duct, gallstones blocking duct, congenital

Question 10

what investigations can be done for jaundice

Answer 10

ultrasound scan to exclude obstruction, liver biochemistry tests, viral marker tests, haematological tests