Context
Jaundice is a clinical finding denoted by yellow discolouration of the skin, sclera and mucous membranes, and caused by the deposition of bile pigment.
Patients may present to the Emergency Department with jaundice in isolation, or with other complaints and symptoms. Alone, jaundice has no adverse effects (except in the neonate).
It is the task of the Emergency Physician to evaluate the cause of jaundice by arranging appropriate initial investigations, and making a decision regarding the need for admission and further investigation and management.
Abbreviations used in this session
The following abbreviations are used in this session:
| GI | Gastro intestinal | ALP | Alkaline phosphatase |
| AST | Aspartate aminotransferase | GGT | Gammaglutamyltransferase |
| U/L | Units/litre | PBC | Primary biliary cirrhosis |
| PSC | Primary sclerosing cholangitis | LFT | Liver function tests |
| HAS | Human albumin solution | GCS | Glasgow coma scale |
| INR | International normalised ratio | RUQ | Right upper quadrant |