Urobilinogen is a product of the degradation of bilirubin by bacteria present in the intestine, which is carried into the blood and excreted by the kidney. However, when there is a large amount of bilirubin produced, there is an increase in the concentration of urobilinogen in the intestine and, consequently, in the urine.
The presence of urobilinogen is considered normal when it is between 0.1 and 1.0 mg / dL. When the values are above, it is important to check the other parameters evaluated, as well as other tests that may have been ordered, so that you can know the cause of the increase in bilirubin in the urine.
The may be Urobilinogen in the urine
Urobilinogen can be found naturally in urine, without any clinical significance. However, when present in quantities above expectations and when there are changes in other factors analyzed in the urine and blood tests, it may be indicative of:
- Liver problems, such as cirrhosis, hepatitis or liver cancer, in which the presence of bilirubin in the urine can also be noticed. See what can be bilirubin in urine; Changes in the blood, in which the body produces antibodies that react against red blood cells, with its destruction and, consequently, greater production of bilirubin, whose increased value can be perceived through blood analysis. In addition, in the case of hemolytic anemias, it is also possible to verify changes in the blood count, especially in the amount of red blood cells and hemoglobin.
In addition, the presence of urobilinogen in the urine may suggest liver problems even before symptoms or changes in the exams appear. Thus, when the presence of urobilinogen in the urine is verified, it is important to observe if there is any other change in the urine test, as well as the result of other blood tests, such as blood count, TGO, TGO and GGT, in the case of liver problems, and, in the case of hemolytic anemia, bilirubin measurement and immunological tests. Learn more about how to confirm the diagnosis of hemolytic anemia.
What to do
If significant amounts of urobilinogen are observed in the urine, it is important that the cause be investigated so that it can be treated correctly. If the presence of urobilinogen is due to hemolytic anemia, the doctor may recommend treatment with drugs that regulate the immune system, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.
In the case of liver problems, the doctor may recommend rest and change in diet, for example. In the case of liver cancer, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected region and then chemotherapy.
