Is 20 a high bilirubin level?

Usually it is mild. The level of bilirubin that is harmful is around 20. Reaching a level this high is rare.

What happens if high bilirubin is left untreated?

This yellow coloring is called jaundice. When severe jaundice goes untreated for too long, it can cause a condition called kernicterus. Kernicterus is a type of brain damage that can result from high levels of bilirubin in a baby’s blood. It can cause athetoid cerebral palsy and hearing loss.

How high is bilirubin before death?

An elevation greater than 20 mg/dL suggests severe liver disease. In patients with hepatitis-induced acute liver failure, a serum total bilirubin level > 17.5 mg/dL (300 mmol/L) is a criterion for predicting death and the need for liver transplantation.

Should I be concerned if my bilirubin is high?

Lower than normal bilirubin levels are usually not a concern. Elevated levels may indicate liver damage or disease. Higher than normal levels of direct bilirubin in your blood may indicate your liver isn’t clearing bilirubin properly.

What is a dangerously high bilirubin level?

Typically, bilirubin levels fall somewhere between 0.3 and 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Anything above 1.2 mg/dL is usually considered high. The condition of having high bilirubin levels is called hyperbilirubinemia.

What is the maximum level of bilirubin?

For adults over 18, normal total bilirubin can be up to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) of blood. For those under 18, the normal level will be will be 1 mg/dl. Normal results for conjugated (direct) bilirubin should be less than 0.3 mg/dl.

Is high bilirubin reversible?

It happens because, at birth, the liver often isn’t yet fully able to process bilirubin. This is a temporary condition that usually resolves on its own within a few weeks. Read on to learn more about the symptoms of high bilirubin and what can cause it.

How does adult jaundice go away?

In adults, jaundice itself usually isn’t treated. But your doctor will treat the condition that’s causing it. If you have acute viral hepatitis, jaundice will go away on its own as the liver begins to heal. If a blocked bile duct is to blame, your doctor may suggest surgery to open it.

Is acute liver injury the same as acute liver failure?

Acute liver failure is characterized by acute liver injury, hepatic encephalopathy, and an elevated prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (INR). It has also been referred to as fulminant hepatic failure, acute hepatic necrosis, fulminant hepatic necrosis, and fulminant hepatitis.

Is hepatitis related to the liver?

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function can be affected. Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis.

What can cause total bilirubin to be high?

High total bilirubin may be caused by:

• Anemia.
• Cirrhosis.
• A reaction to a blood transfusion.
• Gilbert syndrome — a common, inherited condition in which there is a deficiency of an enzyme that helps to break down bilirubin.
• Viral hepatitis.
• A reaction to drugs.
• Alcoholic liver disease.
• Gallstones.

What is the highest bilirubin level in adults?

For adults over 18, normal total bilirubin can be up to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) of blood. For those under 18, the normal level will be will be 1 mg/dl. Normal results for conjugated (direct) bilirubin should be less than 0.3 mg/dl. Men tend to have slightly higher bilirubin levels than women.

What does high bilirubin mean in a hepatitis C patient?

Other things to know: Levels of bilirubin in the blood go up and down in patients with hepatitis C. When bilirubin levels remain high for prolonged periods, it usually means there is severe liver disease and possibly cirrhosis. High levels of bilirubin can cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes, darker urine,…

What happens if bilirubin is high for a long time?

When bilirubin levels remain high for prolonged periods, it usually means there is severe liver disease and possibly cirrhosis. High levels of bilirubin can cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes, darker urine, and lighter-colored bowel movements).

What is a normal bilirubin level in a blood test?

Picture of blood test result showing Bilirubin, AST, ALT levels. by iStock. Bilirubin is a reddish yellow pigment made during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Normal levels vary slightly from lab to lab; they range from about 0.2 – 1.2 mg/dL.

How is bilirubin eliminated in adults with jaundice?

Jaundice in Adults. Bilirubin is carried in the bloodstream to the liver, where it binds with bile. Bilirubin is then moved through the bile ducts into the digestive tract, so that it can be eliminated from the body. Most bilirubin is eliminated in stool, but a small amount is eliminated in urine.