What is the cause of hyperbilirubinemia (elevated bilirubin levels) and petechiae (small blood spots)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: May 16, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Hyperbilirubinemia and Petechia

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Viral Hepatitis with Thrombocytopenia: This condition can cause hyperbilirubinemia due to liver inflammation and petechia due to thrombocytopenia, which is a common complication of viral hepatitis.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) with Hemolysis: ITP can cause petechia due to low platelet count, and if there's associated hemolysis, it can lead to hyperbilirubinemia.
  • Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): HUS is characterized by hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and renal failure, which can cause hyperbilirubinemia and petechia.
  • Liver Disease with Portal Hypertension: Liver diseases such as cirrhosis can cause hyperbilirubinemia and portal hypertension, leading to thrombocytopenia and petechia.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Meningococcemia: This is a life-threatening condition that can cause petechia and hyperbilirubinemia due to sepsis and liver dysfunction. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC): DIC can cause both thrombocytopenia and hyperbilirubinemia due to consumption of clotting factors and liver dysfunction.
  • Severe Sepsis: Sepsis can cause hyperbilirubinemia and petechia due to liver dysfunction, thrombocytopenia, and coagulopathy.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Hereditary Spherocytosis with Splenomegaly: This rare genetic disorder can cause hemolytic anemia, leading to hyperbilirubinemia, and splenomegaly can cause thrombocytopenia and petechia.
  • Gaucher's Disease: This rare genetic disorder can cause liver dysfunction, leading to hyperbilirubinemia, and thrombocytopenia, leading to petechia.
  • Lymphoma with Liver Involvement: Lymphoma can cause liver dysfunction, leading to hyperbilirubinemia, and thrombocytopenia, leading to petechia.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.