[Jaundice - what's behind it?]

Abstract

Behind the main symptom of jaundice lies a broad field of hepatologic and hepatobiliary diseases. A distinction is made between hemolytic, hepatocellular and cholestatic jaundice. In hemolytic jaundice, there is an indirect hyperbilirubinemia while in hepatocellular and cholestatic jaundice, there is an increase in direct bilirubin. In diagnostics, alongside the medical history, physical examination and laboratory diagnostics, ultrasound is crucial for distinguishing between obstructive and non-obstructive jaundice. It is important to assess the course of the disease and its dynamics to quickly recognize fulminant and life-threatening conditions.

Keywords: Jaundice; bilirubin; cholestasis; hepatocellular jaundice; hyperbilirubinemia.