Bilirubin in Urine: Understanding the Causes & Implications

Question
Hello:
I have a four year-old daughter who had a urine sample that contained biliruben?  The doctor who saw her asked me if her regular doctor had ever mentioned that she has liver damage.  We are currently waiting for the results of her blood work.  Would you please tell what it means when there is biliruben in the urine?
Thank you,
Shelly

Answer
dear ms walter:
normally, bilirubin (a yellow dye formed from hemoglobin - the red dye in our blood) is excreted into bile. if the liver cannot do this for one reason or another, it will appear in urine. thus, bilirubin in urine is an indicator that there is some liver problem. i am afraid that you will have to wait for the results of the blood work to get any further information.
best regards
swissdoc