Epidemiological and Diagnostic Profile of Jaundice in Adults at Gabriel Touré University Hospital, Mali

Abstract

Introduction: Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes caused by hyperbilirubinemia. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological and diagnostic profile of jaundice in The Hepatology and Gastroenterology Department at Gabriel Touré University Hospital. Methods: A prospective, descriptive and analytical study was conducted from December 2023 to September 2024. Patients aged 18 years and older presenting with jaundice were included. Clinical, biological, and morphological data were analyzed. Results: Of the 3,964 patients included, 150 presented with jaundice (frequency: 3.8%). The mean age was 48.2 ± 15 years, with a male predominance (61%). The most frequent signs were pallor of the skin and mucous membranes (96%) and a decline in general health (98.6%). Paraclinical examinations showed liver dysmorphism on ultrasound (97%) and a typical HCC appearance on CT scan (84%). The main etiologies were hepatocellular carcinoma (39.3%) and cirrhosis (35.3%). Conclusion: Jaundice is a frequent reason for consultation, predominantly affecting middle-aged men. The most common causes are hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis.