Evaluation of jaundice

Diseases

Summary

Jaundice (icterus) is the result of accumulation of bilirubin in the bloodstream and subsequent deposition in the skin, sclera, and mucous membranes. The normal range for total bilirubin is 0.2 to 1.2 mg/dL. Jaundice may not be clinically evident until serum levels >3 mg/dL.

Jaundice might result from increased bilirubin production (prehepatic), diseases that impair hepatocyte function (hepatocellular), or obstruction of the biliary system (cholestatic).

After a focused history and examination, evaluation of the liver with full blood count, serum liver function tests, and ultrasound is appropriate for most patients. Further imaging and laboratory tests depend on the likely diagnosis.

Citations

Key Articles

Jophlin LL, Singal AK, Bataller R, et al. ACG clinical guideline: alcohol-associated liver disease. Am J Gastroenterol. 2024 Jan 1;119(1):30-54.[Abstract][Full Text]
Fontana RJ, Liou I, Reuben A, et al. AASLD practice guidance on drug, herbal, and dietary supplement-induced liver injury. Hepatology. 2022 Jul 27 [Epub ahead of print].[Abstract][Full Text]
Bajaj JS, O'Leary JG, Lai JC, et al. Acute-on-chronic liver failure clinical guidelines. Am J Gastroenterol. 2022 Feb 1;117(2):225-52.[Abstract][Full Text]
Biggins SW, Angeli P, Garcia-Tsao G, et al. Diagnosis, evaluation, and management of ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and hepatorenal syndrome: 2021 practice guidance by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology. 2021 Aug;74(2):1014-48.[Abstract][Full Text]
American College of Radiology. ACR appropriateness criteria: jaundice. 2018 [internet publication].[Full Text]

Other Online Resources

LiverTox Database

Referenced Articles

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