HomeAnswersMedical GastroenterologybilirubinMy bilirubin level is 1.7 with no symptoms of jaundice. Why?

How to bring the bilirubin level back to normal?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At June 15, 2020
Reviewed AtApril 18, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My bilirubin level is 1.7 (mg/dl), but I do not have any symptoms of jaundice. How can I bring the bilirubin level to normal?

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Well, there are certain medications that can bring bilirubin down but your bilirubin is 1.7 (mg/dl) which is within normal limits. It does not require any treatment. The possible cause of asymptomatic small raised bilirubin is Gilbert syndrome which is completely harmless. In case, you suppose that I should diagnose your problem then please share the complete report of liver function tests.

Regarding follow up

Follow up with complete liver function tests.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I am attaching my abdomen report.

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed your US abdomen report (attachment removed to protect patient identity). From the liver point of view, it is completely normal. However, there are stones-small one called concretions, present in both kidneys. But you should do anything for these kidney stones if you do not have any symptoms. The symptoms of kidney stones are pain over abdomen, or at loin, or any blood in urine. You just need to take at least two to three liters of water daily and do some regular exercise, these concretions (small stones) will go away.

So we were talking about bilirubin of 1.7 mg/dl. which as I previously suggested you are completely harmless and not in abnormal ranges. The abnormal range is more than 2 mg/dl. On the last conversation we had, I suggested you to upload the complete liver function tests because then I can be able to confirmly tell you what to do now. If you had your liver function tests (LFTs) already, kindly upload those one, or if not, just get this done and let me know when the results are available.

I hope this helps.

The Probable causes

Asymptomatic borderline raised bilirubin.

Investigations to be done

Liver function tests (LFT).

Probable diagnosis

Gilbert syndrome.

Regarding follow up

Follow up with liver function tests.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I have attached my LFT report. In the scan, it came as distended gallbladder and pericholecystic fluid collection are it fine.

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You finally uploaded the LFT report (attachment removed to protect patient identity). The things now can get straightforward. So you see in LFT, it is not only bilirubin which is raised given the reference ranges of that lab, but there is also raised SGPT (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase), which suggests liver inflammation. The raise of bilirubin is the only problem. I see you mention your weight as 78 lbs (35 kg) is that correct? I want you should tell me your correct bodyweight? Because it is possible you have liver steatosis (liver fat) which is causing this raised bilirubin with raised SGPT(serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase).

The ultrasound reports said no calculi or no pericholecystic fluid collection. It is not uncommon that sonologist often write reports of their own style which are basically wrongly written but they feel fine with that. Your ultrasound is perfectly fine. Except for kidney stones for which I have already given you advice.

So overweight (obesity) is the one common cause of abnormal LFT. It is possible that you have overweight related liver test abnormality, but if your weight is actually what that you mentioned, then I think we should get further few tests to confirm the cause of altered liver function tests. The common causes of abnormal liver function tests are viral infections of the liver, some metabolic problem of excessive iron, copper metal within liver. I do not want to bombard you with so many tests unless I have complete information about your weight, or prior exposure to virues particularly hepatitis B and hepatitis C, use of prior or recent alcohol intake, and any particular history of the family having liver abnormality. I also want to know some personal history including your sexual history.

Let me know the above information I will sort out things for you and can be able to give you proper advice that you can take for your whole life. understand my point.

The Probable causes

Altered liver tests. Hepatitis secondly to weight (non alcoholic liver disease). ALD (alcoholic liver disease). Viral hepatitis. Autoimmune hepatitis. Metabolic disease of iron and copper excess in liver.

Investigations to be done

Will suggest some investigation after further information is provided.

Regarding follow up

Follow up to discuss in detail using online consultation.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ajeet Kumar
Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Medical Gastroenterology

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