The normal range of total bilirubin values in adults is between 1.7-17.1 μmol/L. Total bilirubin values in newborn infants are usually mildly elevated, and there is no exact normal range for total bilirubin values in newborns. The safety of total bilirubin levels should be assessed according to different gestational ages and postnatal hours of age, as well as the presence or absence of high-risk factors.
The main components of total bilirubin are indirect bilirubin and direct bilirubin. Total bilirubin value is affected by the destruction of red blood cells, the function of liver cells and whether the bile ducts are open or not, etc. Destruction of red blood cells, dysfunction of damaged liver cells, and blockage of bile ducts can cause high total bilirubin.
Newborns may have physiologic jaundice due to immature liver function and excessive bilirubin production, resulting in mildly elevated total bilirubin. Elevated total bilirubin may cause yellowing of the skin sclera, itching of the skin and other hazards. Patients with elevated total bilirubin should go to the hospital in time for further examination to clarify the cause of the disease and then give targeted treatment in time.