Introduction
Hepatocellular conditions may cause jaundice due to the damage or dysfunction of liver cells. This makes it less functional or effective in filtering bilirubin from the blood.
What Are the Hepatocellular Conditions That May Produce Jaundice?
Hepatocellular conditions may cause jaundice due to the damage or dysfunction of liver cells. This makes it less functional or effective in filtering bilirubin from the blood. The various hepatocellular conditions that may produce jaundice are:
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Alcoholic liver disease.
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Iatrogenic like certain drugs used.
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Hereditary hemochromatosis.
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Autoimmune hepatitis.
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Primary biliary cirrhosis.
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Hepatocellular carcinoma.
What Is Alcoholic Liver Disease?
The damage to the liver cells due to alcohol abuse is termed "alcohol liver disease." This is common among heavy drinkers and can be prevented. The liver cells break down the alcohol. When consumed at a level beyond the liver’s capacity to break it down, it can cause damage.
What Are the Symptoms of Alcoholic Liver Disease?
The amount and duration of alcohol consumption determine the extent to which alcohol harms the body. The patient can be asymptomatic or may show symptoms slowly. The symptoms can worsen gradually if not taken care of. The alcoholic liver disease shows initial signs like:
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Loss of energy.
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Loss of appetite or poor appetite
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Nausea.
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Abdominal pain.
As the conditions worsen, the symptoms may include:
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Fluid build-up in the legs (pedal edema).
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Fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites).
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Yellowish discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes (jaundice).
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The palms of the hands become red.
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In men, the testicles begin to shrink, causing impotence, swelling of breasts, etc.
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Abnormal bleeding and increased chance of bruise.
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Confusion or inability to think properly.
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Clay-colored stool.
How Is Alcoholic Liver Disease Diagnosed?
To learn about the duration and frequency of alcohol consumption, a detailed case history will be required. A physical examination can be done to check for liver and spleen enlargement. Pedal edema and ascites can be evident. The redness of the palm is observed. Jaundice can also be seen. Blood tests include a liver function test, which provides details regarding the liver's function. Imaging studies like ultrasound, abdominal CT (computed tomography), and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can be done to determine the stage of liver disease. A liver biopsy can be done to get details on the type of liver disease.
How Is Alcoholic Liver Disease Treated?
The first step towards the treatment of alcoholic liver disease is to avoid alcohol. A healthy diet with low salt intake helps improve the condition. Vaccinations for other viral conditions like influenza and hepatitis can be taken to prevent further complications. Diuretics (also called "water pills," which remove excess salt and water from the body) can be given to treat fluid accumulation. Vitamin K supplements can be given to heal bleeding issues. Severe cases may necessitate endoscopic treatment for enlarged esophageal veins (esophageal varices), fluid removal from the abdomen (paracentesis), or even a liver transplant.
What Is Viral Hepatitis?
Inflammation and even liver damage can be caused by viral hepatitis. Hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D, and E commonly cause viral hepatitis. Hepatitis A is usually an acute infection that gets better without treatment after a few weeks. This spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s stool. Hepatitis B can be acute or chronic. People who have a high chance of having this disease and pregnant women are generally screened for this condition. These conditions can be avoided by vaccinating against hepatitis A and B. Hepatitis C can be acute or chronic. Screening for Hepatitis C is recommended for people aged 20 to 80. Early diagnosis of hepatitis at an early stage can help prevent liver damage. Hepatitis D is rare and usually seen as a coinfection with hepatitis B. If a person with hepatitis B gets hepatitis D, it is called a "superinfection."
What Is Iatrogenic Jaundice?
Iatrogenic jaundice is jaundice caused by a medical procedure or medication. It can also be the result of a faulty diagnosis or inappropriate treatment. Many drugs and herbal medicines are known to cause liver injury. Drugs can cause jaundice in two ways; either they overload the liver, leading to hemolysis, or they obstruct the bile duct, causing an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood.
What Is Hereditary Hemochromatosis?
This is a disorder in which the body absorbs too much iron from the diet. It is a genetic disorder that causes excessive iron deposition in the skin, heart, liver, pancreas, and joints. Early symptoms can include tiredness, joint pain, abdominal pain, and loss of sexual drive. As the condition worsens, it can progress into arthritis, liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, etc.
What Is Autoimmune Hepatitis?
Autoimmune hepatitis occurs when the body's immune system attacks the liver, causing inflammation and liver damage. This condition can worsen if not provided with proper treatment. There are two types of autoimmune hepatitis - type 1 and type 2. Type 1 is more common than type 2, usually seen in children. Autoimmune hepatitis can cause complications, but early diagnosis and proper treatment can help to prevent further complications.
What Is Primary Biliary Cirrhosis?
Primary biliary cirrhosis is a condition in which the bile duct in the liver is destroyed. It is usually seen in females. The early signs can include itching and flaky skin. As the condition progresses, it can cause dry eyes, pain in the abdomen, enlargement of the spleen, swelling of the feet, etc. Proper treatment can prevent further complications like liver cirrhosis, increased pressure in the portal veins, enlargement of the spleen, etc.
What Is Hepatocellular Carcinoma?
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the malignancy of the liver seen in chronic liver patients. It is usually advanced in the advanced stages. The symptoms can include abdominal pain, weight loss, and signs of decompensated liver disease. It can be diagnosed with imaging techniques and a liver biopsy. Liver transplantation is the best treatment option.
Conclusion
Jaundice is the yellowish discoloration of the skin and the sclera. It can be seen as a result of many hepatocellular conditions that cause impaired liver function and lead to the accumulation of bilirubin. Jaundice may not require any treatment, but the underlying condition must be treated to prevent complications.
