cholestatic jaundice
Quick Summary
Cholestatic jaundice, also known as obstructive jaundice, is a type of jaundice that occurs when normal liver cells are unable to transport bilirubin either through the liver's capillary membrane or through the biliary tract due to anatomical obstructions. These obstructions can be caused by conditions such as gallstones or cancer.12
Key characteristics of cholestatic jaundice include:
* Amber-colored urine: This is due to the presence of conjugated bilirubin being filtered by the kidneys.13
* Pale, clay-colored stools: This occurs because bile pigments, which give stool its color, are unable to reach the intestine due to the obstruction.14
* Itching of the skin: This is a common symptom associated with cholestasis.1
Cholestasis can arise from various conditions affecting the liver's bile passages (intrahepatic cholestasis) or from blockages outside the liver in the biliary tract (extrahepatic cholestasis). Diagnosing the exact level of obstruction often requires advanced imaging techniques. Prolonged cholestatic jaundice can lead to secondary issues, such as impaired absorption of fat-soluble vitamin K due to the lack of bile salts in the intestine, which can affect blood clotting.12
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The third type, cholestatic, or obstructive jaundice, occurs when essentially normal liver cells are unable to transport bilirubin either through the capillary membrane of the liver, because of damage in that area, or through the biliary tract, because of anatomical obstructions (closure or absence of an opening, gallstones,…
Read MoreThe third type, cholestatic, or obstructive jaundice, occurs when essentially normal liver cells are unable to transport bilirubin either through the capillary membrane of the liver, because of damage in that area, or through the biliary tract, because of anatomical obstructions (closure or absence of an opening, gallstones,…
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Read MoreThe third type, cholestatic, or obstructive, jaundice, occurs when essentially normal liver cells are unable to transport bilirubin either through the hepatic-bile capillary membrane, because of damage in that area, or through the biliary tract, because of anatomical obstructions such as gallstones or cancer.
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Read MoreObstructive jaundice is a frequent symptom when the head of the pancreas is involved. The diagnosis is readily made in most cases by CT scan, at times supplemented by biopsy. There is no effective treatment. If the tumour is localized and has not invaded blood…
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