Urobilinicterus is a medical term used to describe a condition where a high level of bilirubin is present in the blood, causing jaundice. The spelling of this word can be daunting due to its lengthy composition. It is pronounced as /juːrəʊbaɪlɪˈnɪktərəs/ (yoo-roh-bye-lin-ik-tuh-rus), with emphasis on the second syllable. The word is derived from urobilin, a product of the breakdown of red blood cells, and icterus, a Greek term for jaundice. This condition requires immediate medical attention to avoid further complications.
Urobilinicterus is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by the presence of high levels of bilirubin in the blood, resulting in yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and whites of the eyes, known as jaundice. It is primarily caused by the blockage or obstruction of the bile ducts, preventing the normal flow of bile from the liver to the intestines.
Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced as a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells. It is normally processed by the liver and excreted through the bile. However, in cases of urobilinicterus, the obstructed bile flow leads to the accumulation of bilirubin in the bloodstream, instead of being processed and eliminated.
Urobilinicterus can occur due to various factors, including gallstones, tumors, inflammation, or scarring of the bile ducts, liver disease, and certain genetic conditions. The excess bilirubin in the blood results in the yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes, as well as darkening of the urine and pale-colored stools.
Treatment for urobilinicterus depends on the underlying cause. It often involves addressing the obstruction or blockage disrupting the flow of bile. In some cases, surgical interventions may be necessary to remove gallstones or to restore the normal function of the bile ducts. Additionally, managing any underlying liver or systemic disease is essential to reduce bilirubin levels and alleviate symptoms of jaundice.
Urobilin-jaundice, jaundice dependent upon urobilinemia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "urobilinicterus" is derived from the combination of three terms: "urobilin", "ictero", and "-us".
1. "Urobilin" is derived from the Greek word "ouron", meaning urine, and "bilin", which refers to a bile pigment. Urobilin is a yellow-brown pigment found in the urine, resulting from the breakdown of bilirubin, a bile pigment formed during the breakdown of red blood cells.
2. "Ictero" is a combining form derived from the Greek word "ikteros", which means jaundice. It refers to the yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the body.
3. The suffix "-us" is a Latin ending used to form nouns indicating a condition or state.