How do you treat abnormal bilirubin levels and/or jaundice?
Treatment depends on the cause of the jaundice. In newborns, phototherapy (special light therapy), blood exchange transfusion in severe cases, and certain drugs may reduce the bilirubin level. In Gilbert’s, Rotor’s, and Dubin-Johnson syndromes, no treatment is usually necessary. Crigler-Najjar syndrome may respond to certain enzyme drug therapy or may require a liver transplant. Jaundice caused by an obstruction often is resolved by surgery to remove the blockage. Jaundice due to cirrhosis is often a result of long-term viral hepatitis or alcohol abuse and may not respond well to any type of therapy. Anti-viral medications, abstaining from alcohol, avoiding other potential liver toxins, and good nutrition may improve the situation if the liver has not been damaged too badly.
