Korean J Aerosp Environ Med.  2008 Aug;18(2):50-54.

Factors Influencing the Serum Bilirubin Level in Air Force Pilots

Affiliations
  • 1Aerospace Medical Center, ROKAF, Cheongwon, Korea. socioliberal@yahoo.co.kr

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) makes its pilots undergo regular aero-medical checkups. About 15% of the pilots undergoing this check-up show increased serum bilirubin levels without any abnormality in other liver function test items, and even reexamination is required for those with a marked increase. In this study, we investigated the factors associated with increased serum bilirubin.
METHODS
Questionnaires and blood tests were used for the ROKAF pilots who visited the Aerospace Medical Center for the aero-medical check-up. Various information from the questionnaire and blood test was statistically analyzed to identify the factors associated with increased bilirubin.
RESULTS
In univariate analysis, age, fasting > or =12 hours, exercise in the last 3 days, and last alcohol intake > or = 120 g were statistically associated with increased serum bilirubin. In multivariate analysis, fasting > or =12 hours, exercise in the last 3 days, and last alcohol intake > or = 120 g were independent risk factors significantly associated with increased bilirubin.
CONCLUSION
Prolonged fasting, recent exercise and drinking were associated with increased serum bilirubin as previously known. Pilots expecting regular aero-medical check-up should avoid intense exercise and drinking in order to get accurate blood test results.

Keyword

Bilirubin; Hyperbilirubinemia

MeSH Terms

Bilirubin
Drinking
Fasting
Hematologic Tests
Hyperbilirubinemia
Liver Function Tests
Multivariate Analysis
Republic of Korea
Risk Factors
Surveys and Questionnaires
Bilirubin
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