Hyperbilirubinaemia After Cardiac Surgery: The Point of No Return

Abstract

Post-operative hyperbilirubinaemia is a prevalent threat after cardiopulmonary bypass, associated with high early mortality. The timing and amount of peak bilirubin concentration are linked to the underlying pathology and are predictors of post-operative outcome. Patients with late development of steep hyperbilirubinaemia warrant meticulous post-operative care optimizing cardiac and end organ functions before reaching the point of no return.