what is considered a dangerously high bilirubin count? I have 10.6

[rob181]

I have a 10.6 bilirubin count and my doctor is deciding whether or not to put me in the hospital. He told me that a 1.0 is average and that anything higher than a 3 is considered high. I am at a 10.6 and he considers it extremely dangerous. Is he correct?

[CalGal]

10.6 is rather high. I believe the 'normal' bilirubin range is 0.1 to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), although 'normal' may vary slightly from lab to lab. High levels of bilirubin can suggest various problems from infection to biliary tract and liver disease.

[RioRita]

I was just released from the hospital 3 months ago and my bilirubin is still wavering back and forth between 12 and 14.  I really don't know what this means either but my doc wants to see me next week to discuss a possible liver transplant. Except for fatigue and peripheral neuralgia, which is bothersome but not unbearable, and recovering from jaundice/edema/anemia slowly, I'm ok and don't know where to begin researching ... Ended up here ...

[KjFlicka]

Your doctors didn't give you a diagnosis? A good website for liver disorders is the Mayo Clinic's. It sounds like your liver is in pretty bad shape if they want to evaluate you for a transplant. Liver disease can be caused by many things but most commonly alcohol abuse and Hep C. Please make sure you see a hepatologist at the transplant center you plan on using. Good luck and you might get some more answers on the "liver disorders" forum.

[sillyvixen]

your dr should be looking at why your billirubin is so high - once the reason is found then a treatment plan can be formulated.

[RioRita]

Thanks to you and KjFlicka for responding. My GI says it's cirhossis and anemia but I'm just beginning this road ... negative for all hepatitis at least. I will check out the mayo clinic though .... I know I'll be posting here again as I start to learn more about the disease.