Hyperbilirubinemia
An elevated level of the pigment bilirubin in the blood. A sufficient elevation of bilirubin produces jaundice. Some degree of hyperbilirubinemia is very common right after birth, especially in premature babies. Treatment of hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn involves exposure of the skin to special lights and removal of serum from the blood and replacing with solutions free of bilirubin (exchange transfusion).
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- Hyperbilirubinemia type I
Better known as Gilbert’s disease, a common but harmless genetic condition in which a liver enzyme essential to the disposal of bilirubin (the chemical that results from the normal breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells) is abnormal. (The errant enzyme is called UDP- glucuronosyltransferase). This enzyme abnormality results in mild elevation of bilirubin pigment […]
- Hyperbilirubinemia, neonatal
Elevation of the bilirubin level in the blood of the newborn, which results in yellowish staining of the skin and whites of the newborn’s eyes (sclerae) by pigment of bile (bilirubin). In newborn babies a degree of jaundice is normal. It is due to the breakdown of red blood cells (which release bilirubin into the […]
- Hypercalcemia
A higher-than-normal level of calcium in the blood. Hypercalcemia can be a result of malignancy, elevated parathyroid gland activity (hyperparathyroidism), or other conditions. It can cause a number of nonspecific symptoms, including loss of appetite, nausea, thirst, fatigue, muscle weakness, restlessness, and confusion. An elevated level of calcium may cause muscle weakness and constipation, affect […]
- Hypercalciuria
Excess calcium in the urine.
- Hypercapnia
A greater than normal level of carbon dioxide in the blood.