Jaundice-associated conditions

Jaundice infant

Cirrhosis of the liver

Jaundice-associated conditions

Definition:

Any of several diseases or conditions that can cause yellow skin (jaundice).

Alternative Names:

Conditions associated with jaundice

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Jaundice is a symptom where the skin and the eyes become yellow. It is associated with the accumulation of bilirubin in the skin. This is most often caused by liver and gallbladder disorders.

Jaundice-associated conditions include:

viral hepatitis (Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, and Hepatitis E)
obstruction of the bile ducts (by infection, tumor, biliary stricture or gallstones)
pancreatic carcinoma (cancer of the pancreas)
cirrhosis (all causes)
primary biliary cirrhosis
autoimmune hepatitis
drug induced cholestasis (bile pools in the liver because of the effects of drugs)
drug induced hepatitis (hepatitis triggered by medications)
ischemic hepatitis (jaundice caused by inadequate oxygen and/or inadequate blood flow to the liver)
Gilbert's syndrome
Dubin-Johnson syndrome
biliary atresia
newborn jaundice
congenital disorders of bilirubin metabolism
intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (bile pools in the liver)
hemolytic anemia
malaria

For more information, see the symptom document about jaundice, also see the individual diseases.

Symptoms:

yellow skin
yellow sclera (the white part of the eyes)

Other symptoms may also be present depending on the specific disorder.

Signs and tests:

Physical examination will show jaundice. Other signs may also be present, such as liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) with some of the disorders.

Tests will vary but will probably include liver function tests to determine how well the liver is working. See the specific disorders.

Treatment:

All of the jaundice-associated conditions required medical diagnosis and treatment (in some cases, the only treatment may be observation but ALWAYS consult with your health care provider first).

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome varies.

Complications:

Complications vary, but can include liver failure (life-threatening).

Calling your health care provider:

JAUNDICE IN AN INFANT, CHILD, OR ADULT SHOULD ALWAYS BE MEDICALLY EVALUATED!

Prevention:

Prevention depends on the specific disorder.

Review Date: 12/3/2001
Reviewed By: Andrew J. Muir, M.D. M.H.S., Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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