| Definition |
Jaundice caused by liver cell dysfunction |
Jaundice caused by obstruction of bile flow |
| Site of Problem |
Dysfunction of hepatocytes (liver cells) |
Blockage in the bile ducts or bile flow |
| Bilirubin Level |
Elevated direct (conjugated) and indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin levels |
Elevated direct (conjugated) bilirubin level, normal or mildly elevated indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin level |
| Serum Alkaline Phosphatase Level |
May be mildly elevated or normal |
Markedly elevated |
| Urine Bilirubin |
Positive for conjugated bilirubin (urobilinogen) |
Positive for conjugated bilirubin (urobilinogen) |
| Stool Color |
Normal or pale (acholic) stools |
Dark-colored (normal or clay-colored) stools |
| Liver Function Tests |
Variable abnormalities (e.g., elevated liver enzymes, abnormal coagulation profile) |
Variable abnormalities (e.g., elevated liver enzymes, abnormal coagulation profile) |
| Causes |
Hepatitis, cirrhosis, drug-induced liver injury, alcoholic liver disease |
Gallstones, tumors, strictures, biliary atresia |
| Imaging Studies |
Ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) |
Ultrasonography, CT, MRI, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) |
| Treatment |
Management of underlying liver disease or causative factors |
Treatment of the underlying cause, relief of bile duct obstruction (surgical or endoscopic intervention) |
Biology Ease Staff asked 10 months ago