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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Elevated Bilirubin Levels?

I know someone (adult) who has cancer that has metastasized throughout their body. Their bilirubin is 24... Hospice was called in and said person was told they may not make it through the weekend because of their elevated bilirubin number. What happens to a person s body when a high bilirubin number becomes fatal ? What does a fatal bilirubin number mean?
Fri, 23 Jun 2017
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
A high bilirubin level is is a result of severe liver dysfunction that may be due to various factors.
A level of greater than 20 mg/ dl is generally associated with COAGULOPATHY and ENCEPHALOPATHY which are the most dreadful complications of severe liver dysfunction.These two complications can lead to death anytime.
The high bilirubin causes encephalopathy due to
1. Associated kernicterus
2. Cerebral edema
3. Increased ammonia generation
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What Causes Elevated Bilirubin Levels?

A high bilirubin level is is a result of severe liver dysfunction that may be due to various factors. A level of greater than 20 mg/ dl is generally associated with COAGULOPATHY and ENCEPHALOPATHY which are the most dreadful complications of severe liver dysfunction.These two complications can lead to death anytime. The high bilirubin causes encephalopathy due to 1. Associated kernicterus 2. Cerebral edema 3. Increased ammonia generation