Bilirubin - a pigment produced in the decay of the old blood cells and hemoglobin Hemoglobin: worse - low or high? , A protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to other organs of the body. Bilirubin comes from the human body through the digestive system, along with bile from the liver.

In normal cases, the content of bilirubin in the blood slightly, and increase of bilirubin in the blood causes a yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). Biliary obstructions or certain diseases (e.g. liver diseases) can lead to an increase of bilirubin in the blood.

Typically, the high content of bilirubin in the blood is observed in newborns. Usually within a few days the body of the newborn alone cope with the task output bilirubin. Medical intervention is required if the jaundice in the newborn becoming more visible on the third day of life, or does not go away within the first five days. The amount of bilirubin in the blood determines the specific analysis for bilirubin.

The blood bilirubin is present in two fractions:

• Indirect (free or unbound) bilirubin. This form of bilirubin is insoluble in water. Indirect bilirubin through the blood to the liver where it is transformed into a soluble form (direct or conjugated bilirubin).
• Direct (associated or conjugated) bilirubin. This form of bilirubin is soluble in water and is produced by the liver from indirect bilirubin.

When the level of bilirubin in the blood increased, the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow. Jaundice can trigger liver disease (hepatitis), blood diseases (hemolytic anemia), or blockage of the gall duct, wherein the bile from the liver to the small intestine.

Too much bilirubin in the blood of the newborn (also called hyperbilirubinemia) can cause brain damage (bilirubin encephalopathy), hearing loss, problems with eye muscles, physical abnormalities, and in rare cases fatal. To reduce the level of bilirubin in the blood of newborns are subject to special treatment - such as phototherapy and blood transfusion (blood transfusion).

Analysis of bilirubin

Analysis of bilirubin is carried out for:

• Checks of the liver and liver disease symptoms determination (e.g., hepatitis or cirrhosis) and to determine the effect of drugs that can disrupt the liver.
• Diagnostic gall duct blockage, which can cause gallstones, pancreatic tumor, and other diseases.
• Diagnosis of the disease, accelerating the disintegration of red blood cells (including hemolytic anemia, hemolytic disease of the newborn)
• Deciding on the need for the treatment of neonatal jaundice (neonatal jaundice). Neonatal jaundice in most cases can be treated with phototherapy Phototherapy - restores vitality . In rare cases, a blood transfusion.

The results of tests for bilirubin are usually available within one to two hours.

Normal levels of bilirubin in the blood of adults:

• Total bilirubin - 0.3-1.0 mg / dL or 5.0-17.0 mmol / L
• Direct bilirubin - 0.0-0.2 mg / dl or 0.0-3.4 mmol / l

Elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood may be caused by:

• Some infections, including cholecystitis, gallbladder infection
• Some inherited diseases, including congenital hyperbilirubinemia (the so-called Gilbert's syndrome) - a disease causes an increase in the level of free bilirubin in the blood
• Liver disease - hepatitis, cirrhosis, mononucleosis
• Diseases, provoking blockage of the gall duct - pancreatic cancer Diabetes and pancreas - the things you need to know , Gallstones
• Rapid destruction of red blood cells due to certain factors - such as sickle cell anemia or an anaphylactic reaction in blood transfusion
• Medications capable to increase the level of bilirubin in the blood. These drugs include many antibiotics Antibiotics - whether they will help you in the foreseeable future? Some types of contraceptive drugs, indomethacin, phenytoin, diazepam, flyurazepam

Low levels of bilirubin in the blood can be caused by taking certain medications that lower the bilirubin - including phenobarbital, vitamin C and theophylline.

Normal levels of bilirubin in the blood of newborns

Normal levels of bilirubin in the blood of newborns depend on the child's age in hours and having a premature or full-term baby.

• For a child aged less than twenty-four hours of normal levels of bilirubin in the blood is less than 6.0 mg / dL or less than 103 mmol / L.
• For a child aged less than forty-eight hours - less than 10.0 mg / dL or less than 170 mmol / L.
• For children aged from three to five days - less than 12.0 mg / dL or less than 205 mmol / L.
• For a child under the age of one week - less than 10.0 mg / dL or less than 170 mmol / L.

Biochemical analysis of blood allows professionals to get a pretty accurate picture of what is happening in the patient's body. If the damage of different tissues their cells produce certain enzymes that can be detected through a blood test. Below is a list of some substances that may detect the biochemical analysis of blood, and a brief description of their values.

Blood urea nitrogen

BUN is the end product of protein metabolism; it is excreted through the kidneys. Any disorder that renal function decreases or increases the cleavage of proteins leads to increased levels of urea nitrogen. In addition to various diseases of the kidneys, such violations are diseases affecting the heart and entire circulatory system. Reduction of urea nitrogen observed in some genetic diseases.

Creatinine

Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle activity of the cells, which is also excreted through the kidneys. Identified in the biochemical analysis of blood increased creatinine levels may be the result of kidney disease or dehydration. Patients with kidney disease often simultaneously elevated levels of urea nitrogen and creatinine in the blood.

Phosphorus

Increased phosphorus levels in the blood is another indicator of kidney disease. High levels of urea nitrogen, creatinine, and phosphorus is a solid basis for the diagnosis of some disorders associated with kidney function. If elevated levels of only one of these substances, the necessary additional procedures for more accurate diagnosis.

Glucose

For accurate results, the biochemical analysis of blood glucose Glucose: The energy source   patients are asked to not eat for 8-12 hours before the blood collection. In the blood glucose level is influenced by various factors including diet and liver function. Excessively high blood glucose can be caused by diabetes. Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) can be a symptom of pancreatic cancer, the disease of the adrenal glands or the result of intense exercise.

Bilirubin

Bilirubin - a pigment which is formed by splitting hemoglobin, which is part of the normal life cycle of red blood cells. Increased bilirubin may indicate liver disease and haemophilia.

Amylase

Amylase - an enzyme that is produced in the pancreas and intestine. Apart from lipase it can serve as an indicator of pancreatic diseases. High levels of amylase characteristic bowel obstruction and other serious diseases of the intestine.

Lipase

Lipase is produced only in the pancreas, and is therefore a good indicator of disease of the pancreas Diabetes and pancreas - the things you need to know

Alkaline phosphatase

Biochemical analysis of blood alkaline phosphatase reveals various disturbances in bone and liver.

Thyroid hormones

As low and elevated levels of thyroid hormones Thyroid hormones: mechanism of action and physiological effects   may indicate various disorders in the body.

Cholesterin

Elevated cholesterol levels can be a sign of hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome Cushing's syndrome - an excess of glucocorticoids in the body , Diabetes and kidney disease, and various cardiovascular diseases.

Creatine kinase

Creatine kinase into the blood from damaged muscles. A high level of creatine allows you to diagnose a variety of muscle damage, including heart muscle.

Bile acids

Bile acids which are produced in the liver, are involved in the breakdown of fat. Biochemical analysis of blood, bile acids are used for the assessment of liver function and blood circulation in the liver. For accurate results, make the analysis of a blood sample taken after fasting for 8-12 hours, and a sample taken two hours after a meal.

Calcium

Increased levels of calcium in the blood occurs much more often than the lower level. Typically, high levels of calcium is an indicator of cancer; much less it points to chronic renal failure.