Jaundice-associated Conditions

Definition

Jaundice-associated conditions are diseases or conditions that cause yellow skin (jaundice).

Alternative Names

Conditions associated with jaundice

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Jaundice is a symptom of liver and gallbladder disorders. The skin and the eyes become yellow due to the buildup of bilirubin in the skin.

Jaundice-associated conditions include:

• Viral hepatitis (hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E)
• Obstruction of the bile ducts (by infection, tumor, biliary stricture or gallstones )
• Pancreatic carcinoma (cancer of the pancreas)
• Cirrhosis (all causes)
• Primary biliary cirrhosis
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Drug-induced cholestasis (bile pools in the liver because of the effects of drugs)
• Drug-induced hepatitis (hepatitis triggered by medications)
• Ischemic hepatitis (jaundice caused by inadequate oxygen or inadequate blood flow to the liver)
• Gilbert's syndrome
• Dubin-Johnson syndrome
• Biliary atresia
• Newborn jaundice
• Congenital disorders of bilirubin metabolism
• Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (bile pools in the liver)
• Hemolytic anemia
• Malaria

For more information, see the symptom document about jaundice, also see the individual diseases.

Symptoms

• Yellow skin
• Yellow sclera (the white part of the eyes)

Other symptoms may also be present depending on the specific disorder.

Signs and tests

Physical examination will show jaundice. Other signs may also be present, such as liver enlargement (hepatomegaly ) with some of the disorders.

Tests will vary but will probably include liver function tests to determine how well the liver is working. See the specific disorders.

Treatment

All jaundice-associated conditions require medical diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, the only treatment needed may be observation, but ALWAYS consult with your health care provider.

Expectations (prognosis)

The outcome varies.

Complications

Complications vary, but can include liver failure (life-threatening).

Calling your health care provider

JAUNDICE IN AN INFANT, CHILD, OR ADULT SHOULD ALWAYS BE MEDICALLY EVALUATED!

Prevention

Prevention depends on the disorder that causes the jaundice.

•	Jaundice - yellow skin
•	Bilirubin
•	Hepatitis A
•	Hepatitis B
•	Hepatitis C
•	Delta agent (Hepatitis D)...
•	Tumor
•	Biliary stricture
•	Gallstones
•	Pancreatic carcinoma