classification

Last reviewed 01/2018

There are many causes of jaundice. A simple anatomical classification is into:

  • pre-hepatic causes
  • hepatic causes
  • extra-hepatic causes

However, alternative classifications are often used, particularly into causes based on serum bilirubin changes:

  • predominantly unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia
  • predominantly conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia

Also, note that the syndrome of cholestasis encompasses all of the extra-hepatic causes of jaundice and many of the hepatic ones. Cholestasis is not a preferred term.