What is the Difference Between Hepatocellular and Obstructive Jaundice?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between hepatocellular and obstructive jaundice lies in the cause of the jaundice and the type of bilirubin involved. Jaundice is a condition characterized by the yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. There are three main types of jaundice: pre-hepatic, hepatocellular, and post-hepatic (obstructive).
Hepatocellular Jaundice:
- Also known as intrahepatic jaundice.
- Caused by dysfunction of the hepatic cells.
- The liver loses the ability to conjugate bilirubin.
- Results in unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia.
- Can be caused by liver damage, liver cirrhosis, or viral hepatitis.
Obstructive (Post-Hepatic) Jaundice:
- Occurs when bilirubin cannot be drained properly into the bile ducts or digestive tract because of a blockage.
- Caused by mechanical obstruction of bile flow.
- Results in conjugated hyperbilirubinemia.
- Common causes include gallstones, tumors, or strictures blocking the bile ducts.
In summary, hepatocellular jaundice is caused by liver dysfunction and involves unconjugated bilirubin, while obstructive jaundice is caused by a blockage in the bile ducts and involves conjugated bilirubin. The diagnosis and treatment of these types of jaundice depend on the underlying cause and may include addressing the cause of liver dysfunction or removing the obstruction in the bile ducts.
Comparative Table: Hepatocellular vs Obstructive Jaundice
Hepatocellular jaundice and obstructive jaundice are two different types of jaundice with distinct characteristics and causes. Here is a table comparing the differences between the two:
| Feature | Hepatocellular Jaundice | Obstructive Jaundice |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Dysfunction of hepatic cells, liver damage | Partial or complete obstruction of bile ducts, compression of intra-hepatic biliary tree |
| Bilirubin Type | Predominantly unconjugated | Predominantly conjugated |
| Laboratory Findings | Elevated bilirubin, liver function tests (LFTs) abnormalities | Elevated bilirubin, LFTs abnormalities, elevated alkaline phosphatase |
| Urine Color | Normal | Dark, due to bilirubin excretion in urine |
| Stool Color | Normal | Acholic (clay-colored or pale) due to absence of bile in stool |
| Pruritus (Itching) | No | Yes |
Hepatocellular jaundice is caused by liver cell dysfunction or liver damage, leading to impaired ability to conjugate and excrete bilirubin, resulting in unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. On the other hand, obstructive jaundice is caused by an impediment to bile flow due to obstruction or compression of bile ducts, leading to conjugated hyperbilirubinemia.
- Jaundice vs Hepatitis
- Physiological vs Pathological Jaundice
- Cirrhosis vs Hepatitis
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma vs Cholangiocarcinoma
- Hepatic Bile vs Gallbladder Bile
- Icterus vs Jaundice
- Intrahepatic vs Extrahepatic Cholestasis
- Liver Cirrhosis vs Liver Cancer
- HBV vs HCV
- Cirrhosis vs Liver Failure
- Fatty Liver vs Cirrhosis
- Hepatomegaly vs Fatty Liver
- Primary Biliary Cirrhosis vs Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
- Hepatitis B vs C
- Cholangitis vs Cholecystitis
- Hepatic Vein vs Portal Vein
- Kupffer Cells vs Hepatocytes
- Breastfeeding Jaundice vs Breast Milk Jaundice
- Conjugated vs Unconjugated Bilirubin