Do I need to take medicines for elevated bilirubin?

Question

Hi doctor,

My bilirubin levels are high. I just took an opinion from my general physician and he asked me to contact a gastroenterologist to know the exact reason for high bilirubin. Can you suggest any other tests or medication for this? I have also attached my laboratory reports for your reference.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You have elevated unconjugated bilirubin and elevated total bilirubin (attachment removed to protect patient identity). But, your liver enzymes AST (aspartate transaminase) and ALT (alanine transaminase) are within normal limit.

Bilirubin level increases due to many reasons. If you have any kind of obstruction to bile duct, then total bilirubin and conjugated bilirubin will be elevated.

If the production of bilirubin in liver is high, then total bilirubin and unconjugated bilirubin will be high as in your case.

Formation of bilirubin is directly depends on the amount of red blood cell and hemoglobin level as the breakdown of hemoglobin may form bilirubin. This is a natural process and elevation of 0.5 to 0.7 levels of bilirubin is not significant.

Liver enzymes are within normal range and are considered as normal functioning of liver tissue.

For further information consult a medical gastroenterologist online.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I do not think that you might require medications for this. Repeat your liver function tests after 15 or 20 days.

Also, get one ultrasonography of the abdomen for status of liver and spleen. I think this is sufficient as per your reports.

Please consult a medical gastroenterologist in person to get yourself examined.

For further information consult a medical gastroenterologist online.