hyperbilirubinemia /hī′pərbil′iro̅o̅′binē″mē·ə/ [Gk, hyper + L, bilis, bile, ruber, red; Gk, haima, blood] , greater-than-normal amounts of the bile pigment bilirubin in the blood, often characterized by jaundice, anorexia, and malaise. Hyperbilirubinemia is most often associated with liver disease or biliary obstruction, but it also occurs when there is excessive destruction of red blood cells, as in hemolytic anemia. Treatment is specific to the underlying condition. When bilirubin levels are high, treatment includes phototherapy and hydration. Also spelled hyperbilirubinaemia. See also jaundice.
