#Scleral icterus and sickle cell anemia skin

Yellowing of skin sparing the sclerae is indicative of carotenoderma which occurs in healthy individuals who consume excessive carotene-rich foods. Icterus acts as an essential clinical indicator for liver disease, apart from various other insults. īilirubin has two components: unconjugated(indirect) and conjugated(direct), and hence elevation of any of these can result in jaundice. With further increase in serum bilirubin levels, the skin will progressively discolor ranging from lemon yellow to apple green, especially if the process is long-standing the green color is due to biliverdin. Sclerae have a high affinity for bilirubin due to their high elastin content. The normal serum levels of bilirubin are less than 1mg/dl however, the clinical presentation of jaundice as scleral icterus (peripheral yellowing of the eye sclera), is best appreciated only when the levels reach more than 3 mg/dl. Deposition of bilirubin happens only when there is an excess of bilirubin, a sign of increased production or impaired excretion. Jaundice, also known as hyperbilirubinemia, is a yellow discoloration of the body tissue resulting from the accumulation of an excess of bilirubin. This activity reviews the evaluation and differential diagnosis of jaundice and highlights the role of an interprofessional team in evaluating and improving care for patients with this condition.

However, the clinical presentation of jaundice with peripheral yellowing of the eye sclera, also called scleral icterus, is best appreciated when serum bilirubin levels exceed 3 mg/dl. The normal serum levels of bilirubin are less than 1 milligram per deciliter (mg/dL). Deposition of bilirubin happens only when there is an excess of bilirubin, and this indicates increased production or impaired excretion.

Jaundice, also known as hyperbilirubinemia, is defined as a yellow discoloration of the body tissue resulting from the accumulation of excess bilirubin.

Scleral icterus and sickle cell anemia