Study of biochemical markers in jaundice: our experience

Abstract

Back ground and objectives : Jaundice is a common clinical disorder in tropical countries like India. It is defined as yellowish discolouration of skin, sclera and mucus membrane due to increase in serum bilirubin concentration which affects the liver function. The objective is to evaluate the liver function parameters in jaundice. Methods : Liver function parameters were estimated in 100 subjects suffering from jaundice to evaluate the clinical utility of these tests to differentiate hepatocellular jaundice from obstructive jaundice. 50 normal healthy subjects were studied as control group. Serum total bilirubin with its fractions(both conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin), ALT, AST,ALP, GGT and albumin were analysed by standared methods. Statistical analysis was done by student ‘t’ test(unpaired-t test) and ‘p’ value was elicited. Results : We observed a significant increase in serum total bilirubin with its fractions(p<0,001) in both the types of jaundice compared to controls. Conjugated bilirubin, ALP & GGT were much more significantly increased in obstructive jaundice(p<0.001). Unconjugated bilirubin, ALT & AST were significantly increased and albumin levels were significantly decreased in hepatocellular jaundice(p<0.001). Conclusions : our results suggest that increase in unconjugated bilirubin, transaminases and decrease in albumin are in favour of hepatocellular jaundice. Increase in conjugated bilirubin, ALP & GGT are in favour of obstructive jaundice.