Pathoma: Liver (Jaundice)

Question 1

Jaundice arises when bilirubin rises to more than ___________.

Answer 1

2.5 mg/dl

Question 2

After being conjugated and sent into the bile, what happens to bilirubin?

Answer 2

Intestinal bacteria convert it to urobilinogen, which partially gets excreted in feces –turning the poop brown – and partially gets absorbed back into the bloodstream and excreted in urine –making the pee yellow.

Question 3

Why does ineffective erythropoiesis lead to jaundice?

Answer 3

Because ineffective erythropoiesis will make defective RBCs, and the body will respond by making more RBCs. Overall, there is a higher turnover of RBCs and the excess bilirubin overwhelms the conjugating ability of the liver.

Question 4

True or false: jaundice leads to dark urine from increased unconjugated bilirubin in the urine.

Answer 4

False. Unconjugated bilirubin is not water-soluble, so it must be conjugated by the liver first then reabsorbed as urobilinogen.

Question 5

Why does phototherapy help with jaundice?

Answer 5

Because absorption of photons makes unconjugated bilirubin water-soluble

Question 6

The liver will be black in which disorder?

Answer 6

The one in which conjugated bilirubin accumulates in the liver –Dubin-Johnson syndrome

Question 7

Pale stool is a symptom of _____________.

Answer 7

bile duct obstruction (because bile is what makes stool brown)

Question 8

Why is urine dark in those with bile duct obstruction?

Answer 8

Because conjugated bilirubin is water soluble and accumulates in the blood of those with bile duct obstruction