Delta bilirubin refers to a form of bilirubin that is conjugated to a protein in the blood. Its spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The first syllable "del" is pronounced as /dɛl/, the second syllable "ta" as /tə/, and the final syllable "bi-lir-u-bin" is pronounced as /bɪˈlɪrəbɪn/. The stress in the word falls on the second syllable. Delta bilirubin is often measured to assess liver function and can be a marker for liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Delta bilirubin refers to a specific form of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells are broken down. Bilirubin is primarily produced in the liver and then excreted from the body through the bile, a substance that aids in digestion. Delta bilirubin is a fraction of the total bilirubin found in the blood, and it is often used as an indicator in the diagnosis and management of liver diseases.
This form of bilirubin is created through the conjugation of bilirubin with a specific protein known as albumin, forming a complex called bilirubin-albumin conjugate. Unlike other forms of bilirubin, such as unconjugated or direct bilirubin, delta bilirubin is not water-soluble and tends to remain bound to albumin in the blood. As a result, it is not directly excreted in the bile and can accumulate in the blood, leading to various health issues.
Elevated levels of delta bilirubin in the blood are often associated with liver disorders, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or cholestasis. Monitoring delta bilirubin levels can aid in assessing the severity and progression of these conditions. Additionally, delta bilirubin levels may be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment interventions and determine the prognosis of patients with liver diseases.
In summary, delta bilirubin refers to the fraction of bilirubin that is conjugated with albumin and plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of liver diseases.