Abstract
Bilirubin had been studied since the eighteenth century because assessment of serum bilirubin concentration is important in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with liver disorders. All prognostic scores for liver diseases include bilirubin in their calculations, and some studies have shown that bilirubin is an independent biomarker of mortality risk.
We know that a high total bilirubin level is an indicator of disease, but nowadays there is evidence indicating the association of a low level with increased risk of diseases, for example, cancer or cardiovascular disorders. Bilirubin is a potential biomarker because its concentration is associated with mortality and may also be associated with the prevention of disease.
This chapter will review the usefulness of bilirubin as a marker in liver diseases and their possible use to assess outcomes and risk of other non-liver diseases.