Icterus

Icterus, also known as jaundice, is a medical condition characterized by a yellowish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to an accumulation of bilirubin in the body.

Causes

• Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
• Liver cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
• Bile duct obstruction (blockage of the bile ducts)
• Hemolytic anemia (breakdown of red blood cells)
• Gilbert's syndrome (a genetic disorder affecting bilirubin metabolism)
• Choledocholithiasis (gallstones in the bile ducts)

Symptoms

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (scleral icterus)
• Dark urine
• Pale or clay-colored stools
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain (in some cases)

Diagnosis

Icterus is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. These may include:

• Blood tests to measure bilirubin levels and liver function
• Urine tests to check for bile pigments
• Stool tests to evaluate for pale or clay-colored stools
• Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to visualize the liver and bile ducts
• Liver biopsy (in some cases) to assess liver tissue

Treatment

Treatment for icterus depends on the underlying cause. It may involve:

• Medications to manage symptoms and treat the underlying condition
• Surgery to remove gallstones or repair bile duct obstruction
• Liver transplantation (in severe cases of liver failure)
• Supportive care, such as rest, hydration, and nutrition therapy

Complications

If left untreated, icterus can lead to complications such as:

• Liver failure
• Kernicterus (brain damage due to high bilirubin levels in newborns)
• Hepatic encephalopathy (brain dysfunction due to liver disease)
• Infections and sepsis