Classification

There are many causes of jaundice. A simple anatomical classification is into:

• pre-hepatic causes
• hepatic causes
• extra-hepatic causes

However, alternative classifications are often used, particularly into causes based on serum bilirubin changes:

• predominantly unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia
• predominantly conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia

Also, note that the syndrome of cholestasis encompasses all of the extra-hepatic causes of jaundice and many of the hepatic ones. Cholestasis is not a preferred term.