The bilirubin index in men is not too different from the indicators of female norms. However, due to the fact that men often do not differ in the observance of a correct lifestyle, its normal rate is often disturbed.
The level of bilirubin is affected by many factors, and its increased rate leads to the development of Gilbert's syndrome. For a man, more than ever, it is important to control this level, and with any deviations immediately take appropriate measures.
Let's look at what bilirubin is, what its fractions (species) are, and how important it is for a man.
Bilirubin - introduction: fractions, significance in the male body
The breakdown of hemoglobin results in the formation of bilirubin. It is from the level of this indicator that they repel when conducting a diagnosis of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, namely, the liver and biliary tract.
During the formation of bilirubin, the process of utilization of the destruction of red blood cells in the spleen is involved. From there, a part of it flows into the liver cells, where it takes on a water-soluble form.
The withdrawal of bilirubin from the body occurs with bile, partly with urine. The total concentration of bilirubin can be determined using a blood test, as well as its fraction.
Fractional bilirubin is divided into two types:
- Indirect fraction.
- Direct faction.
The first fraction is the bile pigment. This pigment does not dissolve in water and does not penetrate into the cell membrane.
This fraction is toxic, has a transformation in the cells of the ethical-endothelial system through transformation. Formed after the breakdown of hemoglobin, the process of combining with the carrier protein occurs, which subsequently penetrates the liver.
The second fraction, free or direct, begins its action in the liver cells, as a consequence of the combination of glucuronic acid. By the development of the reaction, the pigment formed as a result has a water-soluble property. His movement in the body continues in the duodenum.
After bilirubin enters the gastrointestinal tract, it undergoes some changes, because its one part is absorbed with blood, and the second part is filtered in the kidneys, excreted in the urine.
For many people, bilirubin, like its norm, is unknown, and it does not really matter. And in vain, because its value is very important, the increase is dangerous.
Whether bilirubin is normal can be checked by blood test. It surrenders on an empty stomach, from a vein.
Control of bilirubin level implies the development of such ailments and pathologies:
- Clinical examination.
- Jaundice.
- Pancreatic dysfunction.
- Liver dysfunction.
- Hepatitis.
- Cirrhosis.
- Various gastrointestinal tumors.
- Homological etiology.
- Toxic poisoning.
As a rule, the level of bilirubin in the blood of a man should be in the range from 3.4 to 17.1 μmol per liter of blood.
Elevated levels of bilirubin can be expressed in a variety of manifestations, namely in pain, giving in the right hypochondrium. There may be reduced appetite or dark urine. Often there is an increased level in constant belching, it can be in parallel with itching on the skin, as well as colic in the liver.
An increased indicator indicates that the red blood cells decompose too quickly in the body. As a result, the development of viral hepatitis, anemia, cirrhosis or liver cancer is started in the body.
One of the symptoms of jaundice
As a rule, an elevated number is a witness of the development of the digestive tract organs, namely, there is a discord in the functioning of the pancreas. Even more likely is the initial stage of gallbladder cancer or gallstone disease. This is due to the fact that not enough enzymes are produced in the liver.
An increase may also indicate the development of banal jaundice and an unworthy amount of vitamin B 12.
Very often men can develop coronary heart disease. The alarm about the development of this pathology gives a low level of bilirubin in the blood.
Indications for bilirubin analysis
In order for the clinical picture to have a clearer outline, it is necessary to conduct an analysis to determine the level of bilirubin in the blood of a man. The analysis is assigned to determine the development of:
- Gallstone disease.
- Hepatitis of different etiology.
- Diseases of Botkin.
- Hepatitis A.
- Anemia
- Tumors of the digestive tract.
- Cirrhosis.
- Oncology of the liver.
How to prepare a man for analysis
As a rule, most men are skeptical about the need to monitor their health. Also, many ignore the value of bilirubin.
As a rule, the delivery of analysis for bilirubin, in this case, contributes to an emergency examination, when the condition of the man is deteriorating. The second variant of the analysis is scheduled, which is carried out when a comprehensive survey is needed.
Two analyzes are the same; only 5 ml of blood is needed for both. However, emergency analysis does not require special training and can be taken at any time of the day.
Routine blood sampling for analysis of bilirubin is carried out in the morning, on an empty stomach.
Optimally - immediately after sleep, after 8 hours after the last meal. Categorically you can not drink coffee, tea or any juice. Fatty, spicy and fried food, alcohol are strictly forbidden.
Normal indicators of total, direct and indirect levels of bilirubin for men
So, what is the norm of bilirubin in the blood of men? Bilirubin has two subspecies - direct and indirect, which have differences between themselves.
The difference lies in the indicators, so its indirect indicator should not exceed 17.1 micromol per liter, and the direct indicator should not be higher than 4.3 micromol per liter. Its overall value should vary from 8 to 20.5 µmol per liter.
The norm of bilirubin in men by age: table
At different ages, the bilirubin level is different. Also its indicator is affected by gender separation. The normal rate in the study of bilirubin in men, depending on age, can be seen in the table below:
| Age | Indicator µmol per liter |
| From 17 to 20 | Border from 3.7 to 8 |
| From 21 to 30 | Border from 3.8 to 19 |
| From the 31st to the 40th | Border from 3.8 to 18.5 |
| From the 41st to the 50th | Border from 3.9 to 18.7 |
| From 50 to 60 | Border from 3.8 to 18.5 |
| Over 60 | Border from 3.7 to 18.5 |
Increased bilirubin in men: causes and signs
In the male body can occur a variety of changes associated with various factors. Indicators of the level of bilirubin depend on the concentration of red blood cells. If this indicator is increased, it means that the following changes can be observed in the body of a man:
- Anemia, both acquired and congenital.
- The process of producing bilirubin in the liver.
- Gallbladder dysfunction.
- Acceptance of hormones or antidepressants, intoxication of the whole organism.
- Avitaminosis.
Signs of elevated bilirubin levels are yellow skin and white in the skin, urine may darken, and the feces do not have color. The signs are violated depending on the level of the amount of the erythrocyte decay product in the tissues. It is this process that matters in pigmentation.
It is noteworthy that with age, in men, an increased level of hemoglobin can manifest itself as a breakdown and bitterness in the oral cavity, while an increased body temperature is observed.
Due to the ongoing irreversible processes, changes in the body of a man can occur, which cause an increase in the level of bilirubin in the blood. In particular, they can be distinguished in such subgroups:
- Affecting the acceleration of the process of red blood cell breakdown.
- Affecting the failure of pigment processing in the liver.
- Influencing the outflow of bile.
With an enhanced process of destruction of red blood cells, hemoglobin begins to increase.
Accordingly, bilirubin rises.
If the vital activity of red cells decreases, it means that the development of a blood disorder is observed in the body, which are called hemolytic anemia.
It can be divided into subgroups:
- Acquired by inheritance.
- Found during life.
Hereditary hemolytic anemia is a combination of three pathologies, including:
- Membranopathy. With the development of this pathology, damage to the integrity of the erythrocyte membrane is observed.
- Fermentopathy. The development of fermentopathy contributes to a decrease in the intensity of production of enzymes, thanks to which the vital activity of red blood cells is preserved.
- Hemoglobinopathy. With the development of this pathology, it is characteristic to observe a violation of the structure of hemoglobin itself.
Decreased bilirubin in men: causes and symptoms
Changes in the level of bilirubin in the lower side - the phenomenon is not so common. However, if during the clinical analysis a low level of the erythrocyte breakdown product was detected, then the following can occur in a man's body:
- Renal failure.
- Leukemia in acute form.
- Tuberculous intoxication of the body.
- Exhaustion.
- Aplastic anemia.
Normalization of bilirubin level
To bring bilirubin in its indifferent value, it is necessary to determine the reasons for its change. Based on this, apply such treatment methods as:
- Infusion therapy.
- Phototherapy
- Drug therapy.
- Adjusting the diet.
The use of infusion therapy allows to normalize the level of bilirubin due to the introduction into the body of glucose solution in conjunction with detoxication drugs. Due to their introduction, it is possible to clear the body of various decay products. Through the use of this method of normalization, it is possible to rehabilitate the patient’s serious condition.
The use of phototherapy allows you to withdraw jaundice, which is most common in infants than in adult males.
No less effective is drug treatment, which helps to achieve the optimal balance between the level of bilirubin and the state of bile. In particular, with drug therapy, drugs such as activated carbon and gels can be prescribed, with which toxic substances can be removed from the body.
If hepatitis became the founder of its high level, in fact, drugs can be used by which the virus itself is blocked. Thus, blockers may be prescribed by a specialist, as well as drugs whose main role is to protect the liver.
With liver disease, as well as with the development of Gilbert's syndrome, drugs such as phenobarbital or zixorin, phenobarbital may be prescribed.
It is a skillful and well-formed treatment that will allow not only to normalize the functioning of bile, but also protect the liver, bring the bile level to a normal state, and allow the bilirubin level to lead to an indifferent value.
In the next video - additional information about bilirubin in the blood.
