What does elevated bilirubin indicate?

[runnerkim]

I've been suffering from many stomach issues over the past few years and am now being looked at by a great physician.  I had my bloodwork come back and my bilirubin levels were over 11.0.  My doc says this is not normal but did not say what that indicates.  She is going to do more bloodwork on Saturday.  Can anyone let me know what elevated bilirubin levels indicate?

Thanks!
Kim

[Dr. Erik]

It could mean alot of different things. Your doctor has done the right thing with further laboratory testing to see what the cause is. Your bilirubin is a little high. Usually when the bilirubin is really high, people become jaundiced (yellowing of the skin and eyes). You did not indicate whether your other liver enzymes were normal or not. If they were, you can probably rule out Hepatitis as a possible cause. It is possible that you have Gilbert's disease, a benign condition in which the body cannot rid itself of bilirubin. The only way to know for sure is to follow the regimen ordered by your doctor.

[runnerkim]

Thanks for the response.  Yes, all of my other liver functions seemed to be normal, however, I had a very elevated calcium level too.  This still does not explain all of my nausea, stomach pains, etc. but I am hoping we will be able to get to the root of the problem.  After all these years and all these doctors, nobody has performed an upper GI test on me.  Is this normal?  I am a 29 year old female who runs 5 miles a day minimum, doesn't eat fatty foods or too much red meats(in school to become an RD), gets plenty of rest, has a stress free job, but I am always feeling sick!!!!  ugh!

Thanks again for the quick response!
Kim

[kwanbaga]

I also have an elevated bilirubin level.  I started having problems over a year ago while I was a missionary in the Philippines.  Doctors told me that some of typical reasons for having an elevated bilirubin level are hepatitis, infectious mono (Epstein Bar virus), liver disease, plugged bile ducts, etc.  I had a number of tests done and everything turned out negative--no hepatitis, no mono, normal liver size, bile ducts not plugged, etc.  Eventually they just classified me as having Gilbert's Disease.  Like I said, it's been over a year and my bilirubin levels remain high.  Since everything major is out ruled, it's supposedly nothing to worry about.  But I feel tired ALL THE TIME!  It's really annoying!  From my experience, everything is mostly normal unless I don't get enough sleep and/or food.  If I go more than a meal or two without eating or I don't sleep long enough, my eyes will turn yellow and I'll feel sick to my stomach.  So my advice would be to eat regularly and get plenty of sleep.  I've read that an herbal supplement called Milk Thistle can be taken to help with Gilbert's Disease.  It's supposed to help maintain healthy liver function through its antioxidant properties.  I don't want to write a novel or anything, but I hope that this has been helpful to you.  If you find anything else out that could help with elevated bilirubin, let me know.  --Brian

[Golden Optic]

Elevated Billirubin levels can also be from strictured bile ducts, like in the case of Primary Sclerosing Coliangitis. I have  this, and have been dealing with this for 4 years, and my bili is at 11.7 right now, and I am a little jaundiced. I know this is high, but this is part of PSC. You should see a liver specialist.