Reasons for high bilirubin levels in jaundice blood drawn directly

Elevated bilirubin levels in patients with jaundice may be related to liver cell damage, bile stasis, bile duct obstruction, genetic metabolic abnormalities, or drug factors. Elevated direct bilirubin usually reflects dysfunction of the hepatic biliary system excretion and requires comprehensive evaluation in conjunction with other indicators.

1. Liver cell injury

When viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, etc. cause liver cell necrosis, direct bilirubin cannot be discharged into the bile ducts normally and flows back into the bloodstream. Patients often experience fatigue, decreased appetite, and significantly elevated transaminase levels. Follow the doctor's advice to use compound glycyrrhizin tablets, silibinin capsules, bicyclic acid tablets and other drugs to protect liver cells.

2. Cholestasis

Diseases such as intrahepatic cholestasis during pregnancy and primary biliary cholangitis obstruct bile flow, leading to direct retention of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Typical symptoms include itching of the skin and a lighter color of feces. Ursodeoxycholic acid capsules, adenosylmethionine enteric coated tablets, and other drugs can promote bile excretion.

3. Bile duct obstruction

Mechanical obstructions such as common bile duct stones and pancreatic head cancer prevent bile from being discharged into the intestine, leading to direct reflux of bilirubin into the bloodstream through lymphatic vessels. Patients may experience clay like stools and darkened urine color. Obstruction needs to be relieved through ERCP stone removal or surgery, and if necessary, cefoperazone sodium and sulbactam sodium can be used to prevent infection.

4. Genetic metabolic abnormalities

Dubin Johnson syndrome, Rotor syndrome and other genetic causes of liver cell transporter protein defects, leading to direct bilirubin excretion disorders. It is mostly a benign process that does not require special treatment, but it is necessary to avoid using drugs such as sulfonamides that may worsen jaundice.

5. Drug factors

Drugs such as rifampicin and estrogen can competitively inhibit the function of bilirubin transporters, causing reversible direct bilirubin elevation. After stopping the medication, it can often recover, and if necessary, short-term use of Yinzhihuang granules can assist in reducing jaundice.

If direct bilirubin elevation is found, abdominal ultrasound, hepatitis virus screening and other examinations should be completed. It is necessary to avoid drinking alcohol and high-fat diet in daily life, and supplement vitamin K in moderation to improve coagulation function. If symptoms such as worsening skin yellowing, abdominal pain, and fever occur, immediate medical attention should be sought to diagnose emergencies such as biliary tract infection.