What Is Bilirubinuria And How To Treat It

Introduction

 Bilirubinuria is an abnormal condition whereby conjugated bilirubin is detected in the urine. Bilirubin is the end product of the process called heme catabolism that causes exchange of the bile pigments which are usually the urine that is not detected. When there are abnormal amounts of the bilirubin in this case that is excreted through the bile, then it is an indicator that someone is suffering from Bilirubinuria. Doctors tend to know the main culprit once that condition has been detected but sometimes there may be deviations from this norm and therefore making it hard for them to find out if the person is suffering from Bilirubinuria.

Step 1

 The primary known cause of Bilirubinuria has been identified to be the Hepatocellular disease whose symptom is normally abnormal build up of copper which is found in the liver. The traces of copper get dispersed to other areas of the body as time goes by and causes serious damage especially when they reach the brain. The sensitive tissues of the brain are affected by the copper and as a result causing tremors that cannot be controlled to the body as well as deficiencies in a person’s speech. When the copper reaches the liver, it causes a condition called Cirrhosis which causes damage to the liver.

Step 2

 There are two Syndromes associated with Bilirubinuria, and they are as follows:
1. The Dubin-Johnson Syndrome
It is a genetically inherited disease that prevents the excretion of bilirubin in the bile thus causing abnormal amount of bilirubin to be found in urine. Its symptoms are similar to those of the hepatocellular disease. This condition may be made worse by consuming excess alcohol, pregnancy or even using birth control pills frequently. It is fatal and therefore advisable that a person should seek medical attention immediately when they detect signs of Bilirubinuria.

Step 3

 2. The Rotor Syndrome
It is also an inherited condition which causes chronic and jaundice that cannot be reversed. What distinguishes it from the Dubin-Johnson Syndrome is that while patients suffering from the Dubin-Johnson Syndrome have discoloration in the liver pigment, it does not have that condition. The amount of excreted bilirubin in the urine for the syndrome is significantly less as well.

Step 4

 Since the two syndromes above may not have serious health risks, it is estimated that close to all patients who are suffering from it live a normal lifespan

Step 5

But the same cannot be said of those people that are suffering from hepatocellular disease since the negative consequences of copper on the brain and liver are fatal and dementia patients mostly do not recover, for instance those who experience the often fatal cirrhotic liver damages. Therefore it is important that a person who is diagnosed early should be under close supervision of a physician. Upon discovery, patients should modify their diets to so that the level of copper consumed can be reduced

Tips

A prescription of penicillamine as well as other drugs which effectively bind the free-roaming copper together should be adhered to so as to try and prevent Bilirubinuria. 

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