Elevated levels of bilirubin may indicate that a person is having a problem with their blood count or with their liver function. In addition, infants may also have high bilirubin levels for a few days following birth.

A diseased liver cannot detoxify protein metabolites, such as ammonia, leading to increased levels in the blood. Liver damage prevents use of metabolites in your body because the liver is unable to filter, convert or utilize end-products.

Liver disease is the 12th leading cause of death in America, according to a 2011 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1). The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body and works hard to efficiently purify blood, store vitamins, produce immune factors and aid in digestion (2).

Liver disease involves a wide spectrum of illnesses and causes. Some common causes of hepatic disease include viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease and cancer. Some symptoms that result from liver disease may impact walking or gait function.

Bilirubin is a byproduct of normal hemoglobin breakdown. When old red blood cells are broken down, the hemoglobin within them is converted into bilirubin. The liver then degrades bilirubin into bile and either stores it in the gallbladder or excretes it through the stool.

A swollen liver, known as hepatomegaly, can be the result of many conditions, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis and cancer.

The liver is a large organ that is essential for the normal functioning of the body. This organ produces the substances that digest fats and carbohydrates, and helps to clear the body from toxins. When a man has severe problems with the liver, there are several definite signs.

The liver is a vital organ that is essential to human vitality and health. It helps to digest food, rid toxic substances and absorb vital nutrients that the body needs for survival.

Early detection of liver disease in infants is key to giving them the best chance at a healthy life. Babies born with liver disease often seem normal at first, but signs of an underlying problem appear within the first month. If left undiagnosed, some babies experience liver failure.