Bilirubin is formed from the metabolism of heme groups in the liver, spleen and bone marrow and is taken up and conjugated by hepatocytes before excretion in the bile. Increased levels are associated with accelerated haemolysis, hepatobiliary disease and cholestatic disorders. Bilirubin is a fairly crude marker of hepatic function. | Bilirubin is formed from the metabolism of heme groups in the liver, spleen and bone marrow and is taken up and conjugated by hepatocytes before excretion in the bile. Increased levels are associated with accelerated haemolysis, hepatobiliary disease and cholestatic disorders. Bilirubin is a fairly crude marker of hepatic function. |