A patient with jaundice has high total bilirubin that is mainly indirect (unconjugated), high concentration of stercobilin in the feces and urine. The level of direct (conjugated) bilirubin in the blood plasma is normal. What type of jaundice can be suspected?

Answer options

1. Parenchymal (hepatic)
2. Mechanical
3. Neonatal
4. Hemolytic
5. Gilbert’s disease

Explanation

Pre-hepatic jaundice is caused by anything which causes an increased rate of hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells). Unconjugated bilirubin comes from the breakdown of the heme pigment found in red blood cells' hemoglobin.