Health Encyclopedia

Jaundice-associated conditions

Definition

Jaundice-associated conditions are diseases or conditions that cause yellow skin (jaundice).

Alternative Names

Conditions associated with jaundice

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Jaundice is a symptom of liver and gallbladder disorders. The skin and the eyes become yellow due to the buildup of bilirubin in the skin.

Jaundice-associated conditions include:

Autoimmune hepatitis
Biliary atresia
Blockage of the bile ducts (by infection, tumor, biliary stricture or gallstones)
Cirrhosis
Congenital disorders of bilirubin metabolism
Drug-induced cholestasis (bile pools in the liver because of the effects of drugs)
Drug-induced hepatitis
Dubin-Johnson syndrome
Gilbert disease
Hemolytic anemia
Ischemic hepatitis (jaundice caused by reduced oxygen or blood flow to the liver)
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (bile pools in the liver)
Malaria
Newborn jaundice
Pancreatic carcinoma
Primary biliary cirrhosis
Viral hepatitis (hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E)

Symptoms

Yellow skin
Yellow sclera (the white part of the eyes)

Other symptoms depend on the specific disorder.

Signs and tests

Physical examination will show jaundice and, possibly, liver swelling.

Specific tests vary, but may include liver function tests to determine how well the liver is working.

Treatment

All jaundice-associated conditions require medical diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, the only treatment needed may be observation, but ALWAYS consult with your health care provider.

Expectations (prognosis)

The outcome varies.

Complications

Complications vary, but can include life-threatening liver failure.

Calling your health care provider

Contact your health care provider if symptoms of jaundice develop.

Prevention

Prevention depends on the disorder that causes the jaundice.

Review Date:5/3/2007
Reviewed By:Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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