Does high indirect bilirubin cause more damage to red blood cells

Indirect bilirubin elevation may be related to increased destruction of red blood cells, but it may also be caused by decreased liver processing capacity or abnormal bilirubin metabolism. When the destruction of red blood cells increases, hemoglobin is broken down to produce a large amount of indirect bilirubin, which exceeds the processing capacity of the liver and leads to an increase in the level of indirect bilirubin in the blood. This condition is common in diseases such as hemolytic anemia, blood transfusion incompatibility, and hereditary spherocytosis. When the liver's processing capacity decreases, even if red blood cells are disrupted, the liver cannot effectively convert indirect bilirubin into direct bilirubin, which is common in liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. When bilirubin metabolism is abnormal, indirect bilirubin cannot be converted to direct bilirubin normally, which is common in genetic diseases such as Gilbert syndrome.

It is recommended to maintain a regular schedule, avoid overwork and alcohol consumption, and supplement foods rich in high-quality protein and vitamins in moderation, such as eggs, lean meat, fresh vegetables and fruits. When symptoms such as yellowing of the skin and darkening of urine color appear, timely medical examination should be sought. Doctors may recommend blood routine, liver function, hemolysis related tests, and other items to clarify the cause.