BILIRUBIN: What does a little bit higher than... - CLL Support

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BILIRUBIN

blairzy profile image
11 Replies

What does a little bit higher than normal Bilirubin mean, when you have CLL?

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blairzy profile image
blairzy
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11 Replies
cajunjeff profile image
cajunjeff

Slightly elevated bilirubin in and of itself does not mean a lot. It could be indicative of Gilbert’s syndrome which manifests as slightly high bilirubin and is no big deal.

What we worry about with Cll and climbing bilirubin, if accompanied by rapidly falling hemoglobin, is hemolytic anemia, something about 10 percent of us get. AIHA is treatable, but not a fun thing to have.

There are other causes for rising bilirubin unrelated to cll. Unless it was a trend you are seeing over a series of labwork with your bilirubin steadily going up, I would not think a slightly higher number is all that significant. I would ask my doctor to be safe.

blairzy profile image
blairzy in reply tocajunjeff

Thank you four your reply.

HeatherS-UK profile image
HeatherS-UK

I have Gilbert’s Syndrome and that raises my bilirubin levels now and then, never been told much about it really

blairzy profile image
blairzy in reply toHeatherS-UK

My Doctor never mentioned Gilbert Syndrome. I am going to do some research on it. Thank you

moc1313 profile image
moc1313

are your white blood cell a little low

blairzy profile image
blairzy in reply tomoc1313

Lower than last time I went in.

Quarry profile image
Quarry

Bilirubin (and LDH) are products produced when red cells are destroyed. So higher levels are an indication you are destroying more than you should be. However, 'slightly' higher levels could just be an anomaly. Keep an eye on it. It might be down next reading.

If it gets worse, ask for your haemoglobin and reticulocyte (baby reds) levels. If haemoglobin dropping and reticulocytes high, you might have AIHA (also yellow whites to eyes, more yellow urine than usual, grey pallor of face). That would need treatment.

blairzy profile image
blairzy in reply toQuarry

Thank you for your answering me.

Hoffy profile image
Hoffy

I have had high levels for years. In the 2's or 3's. Well before CLL. It is called Gilbert's syndrome.

Be well,

Hoffy

blairzy profile image
blairzy in reply toHoffy

Thank you, this whole experience is scary.

blairzy profile image
blairzy in reply toHoffy

Thank you, I am going to read about Gilbert’s syndrome.

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