Patient's question:
2-month-old infant, abnormal liver function, direct bilirubin 37, positive for hepatitis B 2 and 5. Abdominal ultrasound, urine and blood tests, as well as the five pre-natal screening tests were all normal. Please ask what factors or causes could lead to elevated direct bilirubin? Thank you very much.Doctor's answer:
Hello, the main issue with the baby is abnormal liver function. The tests show positive for hepatitis B 2 and 5, as well as direct bilirubin at 37.Advice: Hello, the baby has positive results for the second and fifth items, while the other three are negative. This indicates that the baby has been vaccinated against hepatitis B or has recovered from hepatitis B virus infection and now has immunity. Regarding the direct bilirubin of 37, which is higher than the normal value, most of the bilirubin in the body comes from the breakdown of red blood cells, including indirect and direct bilirubin. Indirect bilirubin is transported to the liver via the bloodstream, where it is converted into direct bilirubin by liver cells. Elevated bilirubin levels can be seen in:
(1) Liver diseases: Acute jaundice hepatitis, acute yellow liver necrosis, chronic active hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc.
(2) Extrahepatic diseases: Hemolytic jaundice, transfusion reactions due to blood type incompatibility, cholecystitis, gallstones, etc.
It is recommended to take the baby for specific examinations of the gallbladder and liver to identify the cause and provide targeted treatment.
This is my personal advice. I hope it helps you. Wishing the baby a speedy recovery and healthy, happy growth!