An excess amount of bilirubin (a yellowish substance formed by the breakdown of “retired” red blood cells) in the blood, which causes jaundice, a yellowish discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and the “whites” of the eyes. Often associated with liver malfunction or obstruction of ducts in the liver, or with hemolytic anemia, hyperbilirubinemia can result from a variety of causes. Many infants have a slight touch of jaundice at birth, but some have hyperbilirubinemia of the newborn, involving larger amounts of bilirubin. Sometimes infants being breastfed will develop breast-milk jaundice for unknown reasons and may need to be switched to formula for one or two days and given phototherapy (light therapy).
An abnormally high concentration of bilirubin in the circulating blood, resulting in jaundice.
An excessive amount of bilirubin in the blood; the condition is seen in any illness causing jaundice, including diseases in which the biliary tree is obstructed and those in which blood formation is ineffective.
A medical condition characterized by the excessive buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream, surpassing normal levels.