From the Research
Jaundice from hepatitis is called hepatocellular jaundice, which is characterized by liver cell dysfunction leading to impaired bilirubin processing. This type of jaundice occurs when liver cells (hepatocytes) are damaged by inflammation from viral, alcoholic, or other forms of hepatitis, impairing their ability to process bilirubin 1. Unlike obstructive jaundice, where bile flow is physically blocked by gallstones or other obstructions in the bile ducts, hepatocellular jaundice results from dysfunction within the liver cells themselves. The damaged hepatocytes cannot properly take up, conjugate, or excrete bilirubin, leading to its accumulation in the blood and subsequent yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Some key points to consider in the diagnosis and management of hepatocellular jaundice include:
- Laboratory findings typically show elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST) along with increased bilirubin levels 2
- Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying hepatitis cause rather than removing a physical obstruction 3
- Hepatocellular jaundice may also be referred to as medical jaundice in some clinical contexts to distinguish it from surgical causes of jaundice 4
- The prognosis and management of hepatocellular jaundice can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of liver damage, with some cases potentially leading to chronic liver disease or liver-related mortality 5
In clinical practice, it is essential to approach jaundice with a comprehensive evaluation, including a thorough medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests to determine the underlying cause and guide appropriate management 1.