Which abnormal condition can lead to an increased indirect bilirubin level?

An increased indirect bilirubin level is primarily associated with conditions that lead to increased breakdown of red blood cells, resulting in higher amounts of unconjugated bilirubin in the bloodstream. Hemolytic anemia is characterized by the premature destruction of red blood cells. As red blood cells are destroyed, hemoglobin is released and subsequently metabolized into bilirubin. The liver is unable to conjugate all of this bilirubin due to the overwhelming production, leading to an elevation in indirect bilirubin levels.

In contrast, while chronic anemia could also relate to problems with red blood cell production or maintenance, it does not necessarily lead to hemolysis, and therefore would not typically result in an increased indirect bilirubin level to the same extent. Dehydration may concentrate bilirubin in the bloodstream but does not inherently cause an increase in indirect bilirubin; rather, any changes would likely be on a more minor scale. Leukemias involve abnormal proliferation of white blood cells, which does not directly relate to bilirubin metabolism and thus does not typically cause an increase in indirect bilirubin levels.