Objective:
Jaundice is the clinical manifestation, of hyperbilirubinemia. It
is considered as a sign of either a liver disease or, less often, of a hemolytic
disorder. It can be divided into obstructive and non obstructive type, involving
increase of indirect (non-conjugated) bilirubin or increase of direct (conjugated)
bilirubin, respectively, but it can be also manifested as mixed type.
Methods:
This article updates the current knoweledge concerning the
jaundice's etiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, and complications ant
treatment by reviewing of the latest medical literature. It also presents an
approach of jaundice's treatment and pathogenesis, in special populations as in
neonates and pregnant women.
Results:
The treatment is consistent in the management of the subjective
diseases responsible for the jaundice and its complications.The clinical prognosis
of the jaundice depends on the etiology. Surgical treatment of jaundiced patients
is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. Studies have shown that
the severity of jaundice and the presence of malignant disease are importan risk
factors for post-operative mortality.
Conclusions:
Early detection of jaundice is of vital importance because of its
involvement in malignancy or in other benign conditions requiring immediate
treatment in order to avoid further complications.