Jaundice

Jaundice refers to the phenomenon of yellowing of the sclera (whites of the eyes), skin, mucous membranes, and urine due to elevated bilirubin levels in the serum. In a healthy individual, serum bilirubin concentration should be below 17.1 μmol/L. When bilirubin concentration is between 17.1 and 34.2 μmol/L, it is not easily detectable by the naked eye and is referred to as latent jaundice. When bilirubin concentration exceeds 34.2 μmol/L, more obvious signs of jaundice appear, known as overt jaundice. Jaundice is not a standalone disease but rather a common manifestation of various underlying conditions.