Enfoque práctico del paciente con ictericia

Abstract

Jaundice , extremely common pathology in any clinical scenario, bilirubin being a metabolite of the decomposition of the Heme group that must be metabolized in the liver and be part of the absorption of nutrients in the intestinal tract, it presents many pathways where its metabolism or function may be affected, presenting a wide range of possible etiologies for its appearance, where the patient's age, lifestyle and comorbidities must be taken into account, given the greater probability of certain pathologies depending of the group in which each patient is found. A thorough medical history of current symptoms, family history, prescribed medications, among others, is essential in conjunction with a detailed physical examination, not only looking for direct but indirect signs of any causative pathology. Cabinet examinations support clinical suspicions such as liver enzymes, coagulation tests and viral antibodies, in addition the advancement of technology and greater availability of ultrasound, tomography and magnetic resonance imaging may facilitate diagnosis in these patients, thus giving greater ease and speed the treatment of these patients