Liver Function Tests

Question 1

When does unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia occur?

Answer 1

When unconjugated bilirubin makes up over 85% of the total bilirubin.

Question 2

When does conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia occur?

Answer 2

When conjugated bilirubin makes up over 50% of the total bilirubin.

Question 3

What is Gilbert’s Disease?

Answer 3

A benign, mildly symptomatic, non-haemolytic, unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia in the absence of liver disease. It is a common cause of isolated raised unconjugated bilirubin. Total plasma bilirubin can be as high as 80ummol/L and mild intermittant jaundice can occur. Inheritance pattern is probably autosomal recessive. The main abnormality is decreased bilirubin conjugating capacity.

Question 4

What is the only enzyme involved in the conjugation of bilirubin?

Answer 4

UGT1A1 (bilirubin-uridinediphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase)