Pre-hepatic jaundice is a health condition that affects the rate that blood breaks down blood cells. This causes bilirubin to overflow into the tissues of the body and is the first stage of hepatic jaundice. Pre-hepatic jaundice can progress over time into hepatic jaundice or post-hepatic jaundice.
The common symptoms of pre-hepatic jaundice are:
The causes of this health condition are:
The most common risk factors for pre-hepatic jaundice are:
A urinalysis can be done to measure the amount of various substances in the urine, like bilirubin. In addition, blood tests like a CBC can look at the level of bilirubin in the blood. Imaging like MRI or ultrasound can be done to check the state of the gallbladder and the bile ducts. This test helps define which form of jaundice is present. A HIDA scan can also be done to look for blockages in the liver, the gallbladder, and the small intestine.
The treatment for pre-hepatic jaundice usually involves isolating and treating the underlying condition that is causing it. If malaria is the reason for the condition, treatment will include treating the malaria itself. For those with sickle cell anaemia, blood transfusions might be necessary, and rehydrating the body with IV fluids could be necessary as well.
Thalassemia often requires treatment via blood transfusions, bone marrow transplants, or spleen and gallbladder removal. Those with spherocytosis might need support with folic acid supplements, blood transfusions, or spleen removal surgery.
Prevention of this condition can be impossible. It is usually a good idea to avoid contracting malaria for many reasons. If you have some of the other conditions that put you at risk for pre-hepatic jaundice, you will need to make sure that you seek the support and care of a skilled healthcare provider. The causes for jaundice of each kind can vary widely, therefore, a correct diagnosis and supportive care are essential if you have been experiencing any of the symptoms of jaundice.