What are concerning levels of bilirubin (a yellow compound that occurs in the normal catabolic pathway that breaks down heme in red blood cells) in an 11-year-old female?

From the Research

Concerning levels of bilirubin in an 11-year-old girl are typically considered to be total bilirubin above 1.2 mg/dL or direct (conjugated) bilirubin above 0.3 mg/dL. The provided study 1 does not offer relevant information regarding bilirubin levels or liver function in children, so it will not be considered in this assessment. Key points to consider when evaluating bilirubin levels include:

• Mild elevations (1.2-3 mg/dL) may indicate common conditions like Gilbert syndrome
• Moderate elevations (3-10 mg/dL) could suggest hepatitis, medication effects, or hemolytic disorders
• Severe elevations (>10 mg/dL) are concerning for serious liver dysfunction or biliary obstruction Parents should seek immediate medical attention for any child with elevated bilirubin accompanied by jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, fatigue, or vomiting. No home treatment should be attempted; proper diagnosis requires blood tests to determine the type of hyperbilirubinemia (conjugated vs. unconjugated) and its cause. Bilirubin is a breakdown product of red blood cells, and elevated levels indicate either increased production, decreased liver processing, or blocked excretion of this pigment.