What is Pre-hepatic jaundice primarily a result of?

Pre-hepatic jaundice primarily results from an overflow of bilirubin in bodily tissues due to the excessive breakdown of red blood cells, a condition known as hemolysis. This leads to increased production of unconjugated bilirubin, which the liver is unable to process quickly enough for excretion into bile. The blood levels of unconjugated bilirubin rise, leading to the characteristic yellowing of the skin and eyes seen in jaundice.

This excessive production happens before the bilirubin reaches the liver, hence the term "pre-hepatic." Conditions that can cause pre-hepatic jaundice include hemolytic anemias, certain infections, and autoimmune disorders that promote the destruction of red blood cells. The focus here is on the overflow aspect, which highlights why bilirubin accumulates in tissues and causes the symptom of jaundice.