cholestasis
Quick Summary
Cholestasis is a condition characterized by the checking or failure of bile flow. This can lead to jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes due to an excess of bilirubin in the blood.123
There are three main types of jaundice:
* Unconjugated (hemolytic) jaundice: Occurs when bilirubin production exceeds the liver's capacity to process it.23
* Hepatocellular jaundice: Arises when damaged liver cells cannot transport bilirubin into the bile system, causing it to leak back into the bloodstream.23
* Cholestatic (obstructive) jaundice: Happens when liver cells cannot transport bilirubin due to damage or anatomical obstructions, such as gallstones or cancer, in the bile ducts.23
Cholestatic jaundice is often accompanied by itching and pale, clay-colored stools, as bile pigments fail to reach the intestines. This can impair the absorption of fat-soluble vitamin K, potentially leading to bleeding issues. Cholestasis can be caused by various liver diseases, drug reactions, or obstructions in the bile ducts.234
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