In which phase would you expect bilirubin and liver enzymes to normalize after the acute illness?

In which phase would you expect bilirubin and liver enzymes to normalize after the acute illness?

• A. Posticteric
• B. Preicteric
• C. Icteric
• D. Convalescent

Answer: (A)

Normalization of bilirubin and liver enzymes happens as the liver heals, in the period after jaundice has resolved. Early in the illness (preicteric) bilirubin may begin to rise before jaundice appears, so labs aren’t normal yet. During the icteric phase, jaundice is present and bilirubin and enzymes are elevated. The posticteric phase, which is the recovery period after jaundice ends, is when bilirubin clearance improves and liver enzymes return toward normal. That direct link to the end of jaundice makes posticteric the phase where labs typically normalize following the acute illness.

Normalization of bilirubin and liver enzymes happens as the liver heals, in the period after jaundice has resolved. Early in the illness (preicteric) bilirubin may begin to rise before jaundice appears, so labs aren’t normal yet. During the icteric phase, jaundice is present and bilirubin and enzymes are elevated. The posticteric phase, which is the recovery period after jaundice ends, is when bilirubin clearance improves and liver enzymes return toward normal. That direct link to the end of jaundice makes posticteric the phase where labs typically normalize following the acute illness.