Jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes caused by high bilirubin levels in the blood. There are three main types of jaundice: 1) hemolytic jaundice caused by the breakdown of red blood cells, 2) congenital hyperbilirubinemia which includes Gilbert's syndrome due to a genetic mutation, and 3) cholestatic jaundice which can be either intra-hepatic from liver disease or extra-hepatic from bile duct obstruction.

1. Definition & Types of JaundiceBy: Fahad Al HulaibiKing Faisal UniversityCollege of medicine

2. :DefinitionJaundice is a yellow discoloration of the sclerae and skin, as a result of raised serum bilirubin, and is usually detectable clinically when the bilirubin is greater than 3mg/dL.Clinical Medicine, Kumar & Clark, 4th edition

3. Types:1- Haemolytic jaundice2- Congenital hyperbilirubinemia.3- Cholestatic jaundice.Clinical Medicine, Kumar & Clark, 4th edition

4. Type 1:Haemolytic jaundiceThe increased breakdown of red cells leads to an increase in production of bilirubin.causes of haemolytic jaundice are those of haemolyticAnaemia.The resulting jaundice is usually mild.level of unconjugatedbilirubin is raised, but the serum transferases and alkaline phposphate are normal.Clinical Medicine, Kumar & Clark, 4th edition

5. Type 2:Congenital hyperbilirubinemiaMost common is Gilbert’s syndrome .Mutation in the gene coding for :UDP-glucuronosyltransferase .asymptomatic and is usually detected as an incidental finding of a slightly raised Bilirubin (1–6mg/dL).There is a family history of jaundice in 5–15% of patients.The reticulocyte count is normal, excluding haemolysis, and no treatment is necessary.Clinical Medicine, Kumar & Clark, 4th edition

6. Type 3:Cholestatic jaundiceCan be devided into:Intra-hepatic Cholestatic:Cased by hepatocellular swelling in parenchymal liver disease or abnormalities at a cellular level of bile excertion.aminotransferases and alkaline phposphate ??Extra-hepatic Cholestasis:Resulting from obstruction of bile flow at any point distal to the bile canaliculi.Clinical Medicine, Kumar & Clark, 4th edition

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