What causes elevated bilirubin levels
High levels of bilirubin, or hyperbilirubinemia, can be seen in numerous diseases. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment that is a byproduct of the degeneration and recycling of old red blood cells. The pigment also grants color to the urine and feces produced by the patient’s excretory pathways. High levels of bilirubin can cause the skin to appear yellow—a condition called jaundice—and lead to damage of the nervous system and brain. Understanding the causes of hyperbilirubinemia will help in the diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
