What happens if bilirubin is too high

Exams and Tests. Tests that will likely be done include: Complete blood count Coombs test Reticulocyte count Further testing may be needed for babies who need treatment or whose total bilirubin level is rising more quickly than expected. Treatment is not needed most of the time. When treatment is needed, the type will depend on: The baby's bilirubin level How fast the level has been rising Whether the baby was born early babies born early are more likely to be treated at lower bilirubin levels How old the baby is A baby will need treatment if the bilirubin level is too high or is rising too quickly.

A baby with jaundice needs to take in plenty of fluids with breast milk or formula: Feed the baby often up to 12 times a day to encourage frequent bowel movements. These help remove bilirubin through the stools. Ask your provider before giving your newborn extra formula. In rare cases, a baby may receive extra fluids by IV. The infant is placed under these lights in a warm, enclosed bed to maintain a constant temperature.

The baby will wear only a diaper and special eye shades to protect the eyes. Breastfeeding should be continued during phototherapy, if possible. In rare cases, the baby may need an intravenous IV line to deliver fluids.

You must keep the light therapy on your child's skin and feed your child every 2 to 3 hours 10 to 12 times a day. A nurse will come to your home to teach you how to use the blanket or bed, and to check on your child.

The nurse will return daily to check your child's weight, feedings, skin, and bilirubin level. You will be asked to count the number of wet and dirty diapers. Outlook Prognosis. Possible Complications.

Rare, but serious complications from high bilirubin levels include: Cerebral palsy Deafness Kernicterus, which is brain damage from very high bilirubin levels. When to Contact a Medical Professional. All babies should be seen by a provider in the first 5 days of life to check for jaundice: Infants who spend less than 24 hours in a hospital should be seen by age 72 hours.

Infants who are sent home between 24 and 48 hours should be seen again by age 96 hours. Infants who are sent home between 48 and 72 hours should be seen again by age hours.

Call the infant's provider if: Jaundice is severe the skin is bright yellow Jaundice continues to increase after the newborn visit, lasts longer than 2 weeks, or other symptoms develop The feet, especially the soles, are yellow Talk with your baby's provider if you have questions.

This includes: Considering a baby's risk for jaundice Checking bilirubin level in the first day or so Scheduling at least one follow-up visit the first week of life for babies sent home from the hospital in 72 hours. Alternative Names. Patient Instructions. Once the bilirubin has left the liver, levels may be high because the bilirubin is unable to leave the body. This may be a result of blockage in one of the other organs that assist excretion, such as gallstones in the gallbladder.

This is called the post-hepatic phase. Blood tests can measure bilirubin levels. While there is a urine test for bilirubin, it is less accurate and often falsely positive.

If a routine urine test detects bilirubin, a doctor will look at blood serum tests to confirm the results and identify any damage to the liver. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the high bilirubin. If the cause is known, bilirubin might be removed through treatment or lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol. The levels go up and down because the process of removing it from the body is slowed down. The fluctuation is rarely enough to cause the skin to yellow, but some people may experience symptoms such as stomach pain or fatigue.

This gene codes for an enzyme that enables the liver to convert bilirubin to its conjugated form. Newborns with high levels of bilirubin have a condition that doctors call neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, or jaundice in neonates. The Merck Manual states that almost half of all newborns have visible jaundice in the first week after birth.

In adults, bacteria in the gut break down the conjugated bilirubin to create urobilin, and this is excreted in feces.

In neonates, the liver takes several days to start adequately processing bilirubin. The seriousness and medical significance of elevated bilirubin will depend on the cause. The age of the infant, as well as whether they were born premature, is also a factor. For premature infants, the earlier the delivery occurs in the gestation period, the lower the threshold at which health professionals consider bilirubin levels to be excessive.

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What Causes High Bilirubin? Medically reviewed by Karen Gill, M. Symptoms Causes Warning signs Takeaway What is bilirubin? What are the symptoms of high bilirubin? What causes high bilirubin? Should I be concerned? The bottom line. Liver Function Tests. Understanding Newborn Jaundice. Alcohol-Related Liver Disease. Read this next.

Medically reviewed by Graham Rogers, M. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R. Ascites Causes and Risk Factors. Higher than normal levels of direct bilirubin in your blood may indicate your liver isn't clearing bilirubin properly. Elevated levels of indirect bilirubin may indicate other problems. One common, and harmless, cause of elevated bilirubin is Gilbert's syndrome, a deficiency in an enzyme that helps break down bilirubin.

Your doctor may order further tests to investigate your condition. Bilirubin test results also may be used to monitor the progression of certain conditions, such as jaundice. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Sections for Bilirubin test About. Overview A bilirubin test measures the levels of bilirubin in your blood. More Information Gilbert's syndrome. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.