Bilirubin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin, insoluble in water. It is transported from the spleen to the liver and excreted into bile. Hyperbilirubinemia results from the increase of bilirubin concentrations in plasma. Causes of hyperbilirubinemia: Total bilirubin: Increase hemolysis, genetic errors, neonatal jaundice, ineffective erythrpoiesis, and drugs. Direct bilirubin: Hepatic cholestasis, genetic errors, hepatocellular damage.
