Do These Bilirubin Levels Indicate Recurrent Jaundice?

Posted on Wed, 30 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 30 Nov 2016 Answered on

Thu, 22 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a 31 year old male diagnosed with CVID 2 years back. Doctor suggested to take Gamma immunoglobulin IV. Due to the financial crisis i have not started the transfusion. IGA, IGG, IGM levels are low. Till now approximately 14 times pneumonia attacked. But 3 months back in August diagnosed with pneumonia and my Liver function test shows bilirubin 5.5 and bilirubin is present in urine. Identified as jaundice. Took Meropenem and levofloxocin and maintained diet after 2 weeks all results are normal including chest X rày. 10 days back again pneumonia with bilirubin 3.3 . Now medication started with amoxicycillin & potassium clavaanàte ànd clarithromycin 625 mg and 500mg twice a day bit of no use.after 3 days of medication changed to Meropenem and levofloxocin no2 curing. Why recurrent jaundice??

Answered by Dr. Dr. Happykumar Kagathara (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Minimal hepatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
1) This is no recurrent jaundice. This is because your elevated bilirubin level slow down slowly from 5.5 to 3.3. It can be considered as recurrent jaundice only when if bilirubin level was normal in between these two occasion, otherwise it was same single episode of jaundice which is settling slowly.
2) High bilirubin might be due to autoimmune cause. This also affect liver function depending on severity of disease.
3) What was SGPT and SGOT and direct/indirect/total bilirubin levels?
4) Has any evaluation being done for this jaundice i.e. USG abdomen? If so then what are findings about liver on USG abdomen? Have you suffered from jaundice before also?

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Happykumar Kagathara (24 hours later)

This is the first time jaundice for me. total bilirubin levels is 3.3. USG abdomen not performed.
My fathers elder brother and sister have a history with cancer out of which one died with liver cancer. With my weak immune system and recurrent lung infections and autoimmune disorders in liver is there any possibility that I will get cancer? When asked this question to a doctors all of them deviated the question and my doubt still not clarified. Please clarify my doubt.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Happykumar Kagathara (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Your ilenss has no any correlation with high risk for liver cancer

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I apologize for late reply
1) Your weak immune system or having auto-immune disease doesn't increase risk of liver cancer for you.
2) But having first-degree relative who had liver cancer increase the risk a little for liver cancer compared to normal population who does not have any relative with liver cancer.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. REMY KOSHY