| In the liver, to which is transported in the plasma bound to albumin, bilirubin is solubilized by conjugation to glucuronate. |
| When the liver becomes congested, serum transaminase and bilirubin levels may become elevated, and jaundice may be present. |
| The breakdown of porphyrin yields bilirubin, a product that is non-polar and therefore, insoluble. |
| In prehepatic jaundice, excess unconjugated bilirubin is produced faster than the liver is able to conjugate it for excretion. |
| In infants found to be clinically jaundiced during the first 2-3 days, it is helpful to document the rate of rise in the serum bilirubin level. |
| Conjugated hyperbilirubinemia also may result from problems that occur after the bilirubin is conjugated in the liver. |
