Hyperbilirubinemia of fasting. A case of postoperative jaundice

A patient had substantial jaundice following an uncomplicated appendectomy. After recovery, the hyperbilirubinemia recurred following a 24-hour fast. An analysis to determine the effect of fasting on the bilirubin level in hospitalized patients showed an apparent elevation in the serum unconjugated bilirubin level in the fasting state.