Overview
Hyperbiliverdinemia is an extremely rare condition in which the blood contains abnormally high levels of biliverdin, a green pigment that is normally produced when the body breaks down old red blood cells. In the usual process, biliverdin is quickly converted into bilirubin (a yellow pigment) by an enzyme. In hyperbiliverdinemia, this process is disrupted, leading to a buildup of biliverdin in the blood. The most striking feature of this condition is a greenish discoloration of the skin and blood serum, which can be alarming but is primarily a cosmetic concern in many cases. The condition is typically associated with underlying liver disease or dysfunction, as the liver plays a central role in processing these pigments. Patients may also experience symptoms related to the underlying liver condition, such as fatigue, abdominal discomfort, or jaundice-like changes in skin color. Because hyperbiliverdinemia is so rare, there is no specific targeted treatment. Management focuses on identifying and treating the underlying liver problem that is causing the buildup of biliverdin. In some reported cases, the green discoloration has been linked to liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, or other hepatobiliary disorders. Patients should work closely with liver specialists to manage the root cause of the condition.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Green discoloration of the skinGreen-colored blood serumFatigueAbdominal discomfort or painYellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)Signs of underlying liver diseaseDark-colored urineNauseaLoss of appetiteSwelling in the abdomen
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
FDA & Trial Timeline
1 eventAir Force Military Medical University, China — NA
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Hyperbiliverdinemia.
1 clinical trialare actively recruiting — trials can provide access to cutting-edge therapies.
View clinical trials →Rare Disease Specialist
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Hyperbiliverdinemia.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Hyperbiliverdinemia.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Hyperbiliverdinemia
Disease timeline:
New trial: A Prospective Study: Smart Phone Application for Measure Serum Bilirubin Through Sclera Images
Phase NA trial recruiting.
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What is causing the buildup of biliverdin in my blood?,How severe is the underlying liver condition, and what are my treatment options?,Will the green skin discoloration go away with treatment?,How often do I need blood tests and liver function monitoring?,Are there dietary changes or lifestyle modifications I should make?,Should I avoid any medications that could further stress my liver?,Is there a risk that my liver condition could get worse over time?
Common questions about Hyperbiliverdinemia
What is Hyperbiliverdinemia?
Hyperbiliverdinemia is an extremely rare condition in which the blood contains abnormally high levels of biliverdin, a green pigment that is normally produced when the body breaks down old red blood cells. In the usual process, biliverdin is quickly converted into bilirubin (a yellow pigment) by an enzyme. In hyperbiliverdinemia, this process is disrupted, leading to a buildup of biliverdin in the blood. The most striking feature of this condition is a greenish discoloration of the skin and blood serum, which can be alarming but is primarily a cosmetic concern in many cases. The condition is t
At what age does Hyperbiliverdinemia typically begin?
Typical onset of Hyperbiliverdinemia is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Are there clinical trials for Hyperbiliverdinemia?
Yes — 1 recruiting clinical trial is currently listed for Hyperbiliverdinemia on UniteRare. See the clinical trials section on this page for phase, sponsor, and site details sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Which specialists treat Hyperbiliverdinemia?
1 specialists and care centers treating Hyperbiliverdinemia are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.