haemolytic jaundice
Last reviewed 01/2018
Pre-hepatic jaundice is the consequence of inability of the liver to handle an increased bilirubin load. The limiting factor is the saturation of the enzyme glucuronyl transferase.
The yellow discolouration is less marked than that seen in hepatic and extra-hepatic aetiologies, but it may be difficult to observe clinically.
Total serum bilirubin is increased and it is predominantly unconjugated. There is no urinary bilirubin. Serum aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, albumin and globulin are all within the normal range.