Bilirubinuria

Bilirubinuria



Basic Information image



Definition


The presence of bilirubin in urine



Typical Normal Range (US units; SI units)


Negative or trace in healthy animals



Physiology


Unconjugated bilirubin (Bu) is a byproduct of hemoglobin metabolism, and forms from the degradation of heme. Bu is conjugated in hepatocytes, and conjugated bilirubin (Bc) is excreted via the biliary system. If regurgitated into the plasma, Bc passes through the glomerulus and is excreted in the urine. Conjugated bilirubin is water soluble and therefore more likely to be passed in the urine than unconjugated bilirubin. Unconjugated bilirubin is bound to albumin and other carrier proteins and may appear in the urine if albuminuria or proteinuria is present.



Causes of Abnormally High Levels




• Excessive bilirubin formation (hemolytic states, eg, Red Maple toxicity)


• Impaired hepatobiliary excretion of Bc


• Glomerular leakage of Bu with significant proteinuria


• Mild bilirubinuria may result from anorexia in horses.


• Bilirubinuria may precede hyperbilirubinemia due to the low renal threshold for bilirubin.


• False increases (see later)

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Jul 24, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Bilirubinuria

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