What does a little bit higher than normal Bilirubin mean, when you have CLL?
BILIRUBIN: What does a little bit higher than... - CLL Support
BILIRUBIN
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blairzy
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11 Replies
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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.
I have Gilbert’s Syndrome and that raises my bilirubin levels now and then, never been told much about it really
My Doctor never mentioned Gilbert Syndrome. I am going to do some research on it. Thank you
are your white blood cell a little low
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.
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
