[Functional hyperbilirubinemias. Clinical, biochemical and morphological findings].

Eighty-three cases of functional hyperbilirubinaemia (non-conjugated, non-haemolytic hyperbilirubinaemia) were subjected to clinical, biochemical, and morphological analysis. Men accounted for almost 80% of patients, the mean age at time of first manifestations of the disease was 26 years. Persistent jaundice was present only in 31% of cases. The mean non-conjugated bilirubin level was 2.8 mg%. The so-called hunger test is very spectacular, but its diagnostic value must be evaluated cautiously. It was found that alkaline phosphate activity and BSP retention test were not in all cases normal. Other biochemical tests gave normal results. Percutaneous liver biopsy was carried out in 71 patients without finding any changes in 42%, while in others slight, mainly degenerative changes in 42%, while in others slight, mainly degenerative changes were demonstrated. In most cases the diagnosis of non-conjugated, non-haemolytic hyperbilirubinaemia can be made on the basis of clinical and biochemical evaluation. Only few doubtful cases should be qualified for liver biopsy.