Hello, I'm an expert in the field of medical science with a focus on infectious diseases and their effects on the human body. Let's delve into the relationship between sepsis and jaundice.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body's response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. It can lead to a range of complications, one of which is jaundice.

Jaundice is characterized by the yellowing of the skin and eyes due to the buildup of bilirubin, a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells. This bilirubin is normally processed by the liver and excreted from the body. However, in the case of sepsis, several mechanisms can lead to jaundice:


1. Liver Dysfunction: Sepsis can cause the liver to function poorly, impairing its ability to process bilirubin, which leads to its accumulation in the body.


2. Hemolysis: The infection and inflammatory response associated with sepsis can cause the destruction of red blood cells, leading to an increased production of bilirubin.


3. Cholestasis: Sepsis can also cause blockages in the bile ducts within the liver, preventing the normal excretion of bilirubin into the digestive system.


4. Clotting Disorders: Sepsis can lead to a condition called disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), where the body's clotting mechanisms are overactivated, leading to the destruction of red blood cells and subsequent jaundice.


5. Impaired Blood Flow: Sepsis can cause changes in blood flow, reducing the amount of oxygen reaching the liver and other tissues, which can contribute to jaundice.

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Cholestasis is the predominant mechanism by which jaundice develops in sepsis. Extrahepatic cholestasis is caused by obstruction of the hepatic or common bile duct and directly impedes the flow of bile. This can result from a primary infection such as cholangitis or can become secondarily infected.read more >>