In the first installment of this 2-part episode, we break down the causes of unconjugated (indirect) and conjugated (direct) hyperbilirubinemia. 

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This episode was written by Dr. Tammy Yau and Dr. Lidia Park, with content support from Dr. Daphne Say, Dr. Lena van der List, and Dr. Su-Ting Li. Drs. Tammy and Lidia take full responsibility for any errors or misinformation. 

Key points: 

-Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia causes are due to increased bilirubin production, decreased liver conjugation, or decreased clearance 

-Conjugated hyperbilirubinemia can be due to outflow or transport problem, infection, metabolic disorders, liver dysfunction, and parenteral nutrition 

-Always consider biliary atresia in a newborn with pale white stools. The earlier the surgical treatment, the better outcomes 



Supplemental Information 

2017 Pediatrics in Review - Jaundice: Newborn to Age 2 months https://publications.aap.org/pediatricsinreview/article/38/11/499/35001/Jaundice-Newborn-to-Age-2-Months?autologincheck=redirected