Bilirubinemia

/ˌbaɪ.lɪ.ruːbɪˈniː.mi.ə/ noun

Definition

The presence of bilirubin in the blood; a condition that can cause jaundice when bilirubin levels become too high.

Etymology

From 'bilirubin' (bile + Latin 'ruber' red) plus '-emia' (condition of the blood). This medical term emerged in the 19th century as doctors studied blood disorders.

Kelly Says

Newborns often develop bilirubinemia because their livers aren't mature enough to process old red blood cells—that's why they turn yellow, a condition called jaundice.

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