What does an elevated bilirubin level indicate?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had blood work done one month ago, and my CBC and BMP were good, except my total bilirubin level was 1.2 mg/dL. Today I had a sharp pain in the right side of my body. So, I went to the emergency room, and all BMP and CBC reports were fine except the total bilirubin, which was 1.7 mg/dL, and the direct bilirubin level was 0.6 mg/dL. I also did a CT scan of the abdomen, and there were no abnormalities. My mother also has a high bilirubin level. Should I be worried about it?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed your case history. Your indirect bilirubin is mildly raised. Certain benign familial causes lead to increased indirect bilirubin levels. The levels rise, especially when a person is dehydrated, fasting, or after exercise. Recheck your LFTs (liver function test) reports once when you are hydrated after drinking plenty of water. You can share your complete LFT reports as well. I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If your abdomen CT (computed tomography) scan is normal, there is nothing to worry about. I explained that out of 1.7 mg/dl total bilirubin, 0.6 mg/dl was direct bilirubin, which means 1.1 was indirect bilirubin. Raised indirect bilirubin can be due to multiple causes that include simple dehydration to benign familial conditions, as you mentioned in your mother's history. It is clinically relevant to see your whole LFT (liver function test) report and review your mother's report, too, if available. In your case, I would suggest rechecking your LFTs once you are fully hydrated to assess indirect bilirubin levels. In case of persistently elevated indirect bilirubin levels, it is necessary to take a detailed history, including a history of blood disorders in the family, and review your complete blood profile and peripheral blood smear to see the shape, size, and breakdown of red blood cells. I hope this helps you.

Thank you.