From the Guidelines
Urobilinogen in a teenager's urine is typically a normal finding when present in small amounts and does not require specific treatment. The presence of urobilinogen in urine is a result of bilirubin metabolism, where bilirubin from broken-down red blood cells is processed by intestinal bacteria and partially reabsorbed into circulation 1. Some key points to consider:
- Elevated urobilinogen levels may indicate liver disease, hemolytic anemia, or other conditions affecting bilirubin processing.
- Normal urobilinogen levels range from 0.1-1.0 Ehrlich units/dL.
- If levels are elevated, the teenager should be evaluated by a healthcare provider for further testing, which may include complete blood count, liver function tests, and possibly ultrasound imaging 1.
- Decreased or absent urobilinogen can indicate bile duct obstruction or certain antibiotic use that disrupts intestinal bacteria.
- Any significant deviation from normal levels warrants medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause. It is essential to note that the provided evidence primarily focuses on hematuria in children and does not directly address urobilinogen in urine. However, based on general medical knowledge, the presence of small amounts of urobilinogen in a teenager's urine is generally considered normal and does not require specific treatment.