High Bilirubin

I am a 26 year old healthy male. I recently had a complete physical. The lab results indicate that everything is fine, except for High Potassium (5.5 MMOL/L) and high Bilrubin. The direct Bilirubin is 0.4 MG/DL and the total Bilrubin is 2.4 MG/DL. Other liver test results were fine (ALT , AST, ALP, GGT, Globulin ,LDH, and Total Protein). I am wondering if I should be concerned about the high Potassium and Billirubin and if they indicate that there's something wrong with my health. Do I need further testing? Thank you very much.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

With the high potassium, you would want to check the creatinine level to ensure the kidney function remains normal.  Repeating the potassium level to ensure it isn't lab error should be considered.

An isolated elevated bilirubin, in the face of normal liver function tests, would be suggestive of possible Gilbert's syndrome.  This is a hereditary disorder of bilirubin metabolism - and normally requires no treatment.

To ensure that there isn't anything more serious going on, I would suggest a liver ultrasound to rule out any other liver disease.

This option can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b

[Confused_again]

Forgot to add that I did take 4 to 5 mortrins in the 4-5 days before the test, not sure if it's significant.