High bilirubin levels in the blood happen when the liver can't do its job of filtering and processing bilirubin properly. Bilirubin is a yellow byproduct created when red blood cells break down, and a healthy liver normally clears it out through bile.
When PBC damages the bile ducts, bile (and bilirubin along with it) Show Full Answer
High bilirubin levels in the blood happen when the liver can't do its job of filtering and processing bilirubin properly. Bilirubin is a yellow byproduct created when red blood cells break down, and a healthy liver normally clears it out through bile.
When PBC damages the bile ducts, bile (and bilirubin along with it) can't flow out of the liver as it should. This causes a backup, and bilirubin starts leaking into the bloodstream instead. As bilirubin builds up in the blood, it can seep into body tissues and cause jaundice — the yellowing of skin and the whites of the eyes. In PBC, elevated bilirubin is often a sign of more advanced disease progression, so it's important to flag this with your doctor.
Some signs that bilirubin may be elevated include:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Dark-colored urine
- Pale-colored stools
- Itchiness
- Fatigue or confusion
If you're noticing any of these, it's worth bringing them up at your next appointment sooner rather than later.
August 5
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