Hyperbilirubinemia – When the bilirubin level in the blood rises

Hyperbilirubinemia – When the bilirubin level in the blood rises

What is hyperbilirubinemia?

Hyperbilirubinemia is an increased bilirubin level in the blood. Bilirubin is a breakdown product of the red blood pigment haemoglobin, which is processed in the liver and excreted via bile and urine. If this process is disrupted or too much bilirubin is produced, it can accumulate in the blood – this often leads to yellowing of the skin and eyes, medically known as jaundice.

Why is an elevated bilirubin level problematic?

An elevated bilirubin level can be an indication of disorders in liver metabolism, blood breakdown or bile excretion. If the cause is not recognized, this can lead to subsequent problems:

• Liver damage
• Disturbances in bile flow
• Neurological symptoms (especially in newborns)

Early diagnosis is therefore crucial.

Possible symptoms of hyperbilirubinemia

The symptoms depend on the severity and the cause. Typical are

• Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
• Dark urine
• Light-colored stools
• Tiredness
• Nausea
• Feeling of pressure in the right upper abdomen

In newborns, a mild form is common and usually temporary; in adults, a precise clarification should be carried out.

Causes: Where does too much bilirubin come from?

The causes can be roughly divided into three groups:

Before the liver (prehepatic)
• e.g. due to increased breakdown of red blood cells (haemolysis)

In the liver (intrahepatic)
• e.g. liver inflammation, genetic defects (such as Meulengracht’s disease), medication

After the liver (posthepatic)
• e.g. due to bile congestion, gallstones or tumors in the bile duct

Support through modern procedures – toxopheresis for hyperbilirubinemia

In addition to cause-oriented therapy, there are also innovative medical procedures that can be used to supplement certain forms of hyperbilirubinemia. One of these is toxopheresis.

How can toxopheresis help with hyperbilirubinemia?

Toxopheresis is a special blood purification procedure that aims to specifically remove certain harmful substances from the blood. This can be particularly helpful if the bilirubin level is very high and other measures alone are not sufficient. In the case of certain liver dysfunctions or biliary tract diseases, toxopheresis can reduce the burden on the body and contribute to stabilization. The treatment is carried out individually and in specialized medical clinics, centers and private practices.

What you can do yourself

If you have hyperbilirubinemia, you should seek medical advice, as there are many different causes. However, there are some general tips to support your liver function:

• Avoid alcohol
• Liver-friendly diet: low fat, lots of vegetables, bitter substances (e.g. artichokes)
• Drink enough (water, unsweetened teas)
• Regular exercise
• Avoid unnecessary medication – consult your doctor

Conclusion: Hyperbilirubinemia is a warning sign

An elevated bilirubin level is not a clinical picture in itself, but an indication that something is out of balance in the body. The good news is that many causes can be easily influenced or treated – especially if action is taken early. Innovative procedures such as toxopheresis offer additional options to stabilize the body’s balance.