R17.0: Hyperbilirubinaemia with mention of jaundice, not elsewhere classified

Hyperbilirubinemia with mention of jaundice, not elsewhere classified (represented by the ICD-10 code R17.0), is a specific medical condition where there's excessive bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance that is produced when the body breaks down old red blood cells. In normal quantities, it is harmless and gets eliminated from the body through stool. However, when there's too much bilirubin, it can leak into surrounding tissues, turning the skin and whites of the eyes yellow, a symptom widely recognized as jaundice. This condition might occur due to various reasons, like liver diseases, blockages in the bile ducts, or certain blood disorders. Symptoms, beyond yellowing skin and eyes, could also include fatigue, abdominal pain, and changes in urine and stool color. The progression of hyperbilirubinemia depends largely on its underlying cause, but it's crucial to address high bilirubin levels promptly to avoid potential complications, including brain damage called kernicterus.