Serum bilirubin fractions after biliary decompression in dogs with obstructive jaundice

with special reference to the significance of conjugated and delta bilirubin

Abstract

To investigate the pathophysiology of prolonged jaundice after biliary decompression for obstructive jaundice, choledochoduodenostomy with or without 70% hepatectomy was performed one to four weeks after common bile duct ligation and cholecystectomy in dogs with or without cholangitis. Prolonged jaundice was associated with a longer period of jaundice, with cholangitis, with slowly decreasing conjugated bilirubin levels and with a higher delta bilirubin/direct bilirubin ratio in the serum. Among dogs with prolonged jaundice after biliary decompression alone, the rate of decrease of serum conjugated bilirubin was significantly better in long survivors than in dogs dying early. After biliary decompression with hepatectomy, a better prognosis was significantly related to the decline of indirect and conjugated bilirubin levels in the serum. Thus, measurement of serum bilirubin fractions appears useful in estimating prolonged jaundice.