Hi,

Thanks for posting your query.

I was able to analyse your reports mentioned here.
1. Total bilirubin levels are high (normal limit is between 3.4 to 17.1micromol/L).
2. Direct bilirubin or conjugated bilirubin levels are also high (normally it should not exceed more than 3.4micromol/L).
3. Other parameters are within normal limits.

High bilirubin levels present commonly with yellowish discoloration of sclera, skin, nails, urine and other structures. This state is clinically termed Jaundice or Icterus.

Though the exact cause of jaundice cannot be determined based on these parameters alone, it is clear from your reports that there could be some obstruction in the bile outflow which is leading to your icteric condition. A condition called obstructive jaundice / post hepatic jaundice / conjugated hyperbilirubinemia.

Hepatitis is associated with hepatic jaundice or unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia.

With this information, let me now answer your specific questions:

1. Is there a problem with high bilirubin counts?
Answer: Yes, prolonged / severe jaundice can affect liver and brain functions apart from affective vision, hearing and other senses. It needs medical attention at the earliest.
You would need further evaluation to look for the causes of obstructive jaundice. Tests such as Ultrasound abdomen / CT/MRI abdomen along with other blood tests are entailed.

2. Is there any chance of hepatitis?
Answer. The reports are suggestive of obstruction in the biliary duct. It does not seem to be related to hepatitis.

I encourage you to consult your physician / gastroenterologist for further evaluation.

Hope I have answered your query. Please accept my answer if you do not have any further queries. Yet, if you have any other doubts, I am available to clarify them.

Regards

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Hi and thanks again,

I apologize for the delay in answering your query.

Reviewing your reports again, I want to say that I had missed a few points during my initial reply.

1. Though icterus typically presents with yellowish discoloration of skin, eyes, urine and other tissues, it may not be visible always. The amount of discoloration seen is proportional to bilirubin levels and inversely proportional to hemoglobin concentration. Hence even if you do not have clinical symptoms, high levels indicate you have jaundice.

2. Presence of high levels of direct bilirubin apart from obstructive causes can also be seen in hepatic causes of jaundice (I did not mention about hepatic causes in my initial reply).

3. Obstructive jaundice as the name suggests is caused by bile flow obstruction. pancreas and biliary duct are few of obstructive causes. It is most often associated with rise Alkaline Phosphatase levels. (I presume the ALP values are in IU/L, if they are in umol/L can you specify the normal ranges).

4. Gilbert's syndrome presents as unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Here while the total bilirubin is elevated, direct bilirubin levels might be normal or less than 20% of the total bilirubin.

5. Some of the drugs may affect liver. Lipitor is known to affect liver functions. Discuss about the side effects of ASP 100mg with your chemist/doctor.

With these informations, l shall clarify your doubts:

1. Having reviewed your reports again presuming you do not have abdominal pain, the cause for these abnormal liver function test could be hepatic jaundice. In the order of hierarchy, the following needs to be ruled out:
- Hepatitis (any viral infections including Hepatitis virus)
- Liver disease
- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Obstructive causes (diseases of gall bladder / pancreas)

2. Though the possibility of Gilbert's Syndrome is less likely, it cannot be ruled out completely.

3. You will need further evaluation that includes a detailed examination, complete liver function tests, ultrasound abdomen, and Hepatitis virus serology as the initials set of investigations. A competent gastroenterologist can streamline these tests. Further evaluation is entailed depending on the results of these tests.

The bottom line is, Hepatitis B also needs to tested apart from other causes. And you need to be investigated further. I also suggest you to take care of your personal hygiene and avoid unprotected sexual intercourse until hepatitis infections are ruled out.

Hope this clarifies all your doubts. Please accept my answer if you do not have any further follow ups.

Regards.

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Hi and thanks again,

Stomach pain and bloating are seen in gall bladder diseases. It is also seen in liver injury (hepatitis) and also with gastritis, ulcers, irritable bowel disease and so on.

In your context, the possibility of hepatitis / gall bladder disease including gall stones needs to be ruled out. Hence consult a competent gastroenterologist to diagnose the condition accurately and initiate the right treatment. Meantime start with small and frequent meals.

Hope I have been helpful in answering all your queries. Please accept my answer if you do not have any further queries.

Regards

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