A descriptive term implying deposition of bile pigment in the skin and mucous membranes with resulting yellow appearance of the patient. Yellow skin and sclerae appear whenever bilirubin reaches 3 mg/mL. Characteristics - jaundice is usually brought about by hemolysis, virus infection, alcoholism, drugs, stones in the bile ducts, cancer of the pancreas or liver.

• Preponderance of direct (conjugated) bilirubin:
  • Obstruction - gallstones, common duct stones, tumors, strictures
  • Hepatitis
  • Cirrhosis
  • Drugs
  • Pregnancy (idiopathic cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy)
  • Hereditary
• Preponderance of indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin:
  • Hemolysis
  • Neonatal
  • Drugs
  • Gilbert's syndrome
  • Congestive heart failure