How does obstructive jaundice cause liver failure?

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SUMMARY

Obstructive jaundice, also known as post-hepatic jaundice, occurs when bile drainage is hindered through the bile ducts or from the gallbladder to the small intestine. This bile accumulation can lead to liver damage due to the corrosive nature of bile, which degrades lipids. In contrast, pre-hepatic jaundice results from the premature breakdown of red blood cells (RBCs), such as in hemolytic anemias, which can also harm the liver. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for comprehending how jaundice can lead to liver failure.

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  • Understanding of obstructive jaundice and its causes
  • Knowledge of bile production and drainage mechanisms
  • Familiarity with liver anatomy and function
  • Basic concepts of hemolytic anemia and RBC degradation
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sameeralord
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Hello everyone,

I can understand how liver failure can cause jaundice, but not vise versa. Please help. Thanks :smile:
 
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Obstructive jaundice (Ie; Post-hepatic jaundice) is caused from the hindrance of bile draining through the bile ducts (in the liver) and/or from draining from its site of storage (gallbladder) to the small intestine. Backing up bile in your liver (a pretty nasty chemical which degrades lipids) is a sure way to damage your liver. You liver (unlike the care the pancreas takes with protease) doesn't go to great lengths to protect itself from bile. So if you get it "just" laying around, it will start chewing up things which ought not to be chewed up.

Pre-hepatic jaundices are caused by breaking down your RBCs prematurely (such as with hemolytic anemias) and the excess rush of RBC degradation products can damage the liver as well.

Hope that helps
 
bobze said:
Obstructive jaundice (Ie; Post-hepatic jaundice) is caused from the hindrance of bile draining through the bile ducts (in the liver) and/or from draining from its site of storage (gallbladder) to the small intestine. Backing up bile in your liver (a pretty nasty chemical which degrades lipids) is a sure way to damage your liver. You liver (unlike the care the pancreas takes with protease) doesn't go to great lengths to protect itself from bile. So if you get it "just" laying around, it will start chewing up things which ought not to be chewed up.

Pre-hepatic jaundices are caused by breaking down your RBCs prematurely (such as with hemolytic anemias) and the excess rush of RBC degradation products can damage the liver as well.

Hope that helps

Good stuff. Thanks :smile:
 

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