What does an increased level of urobilinogen in urine indicate?

An increased level of urobilinogen in urine primarily indicates liver disease or hemolytic conditions. Urobilinogen is a byproduct of bilirubin metabolism, which occurs in the intestines. Normally, bilirubin is processed by the liver, and some of it is converted into urobilinogen. When the liver is not functioning properly, as in liver disease (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis) or in conditions characterized by increased red blood cell destruction (hemolysis), there is an increase in bilirubin that gets converted to urobilinogen. Consequently, this excess urobilinogen is excreted in urine, leading to higher levels detectable through analysis.

In normal liver function, one would expect to see urobilinogen levels within a certain range. If liver function is compromised, the production and excretion balance is disrupted, resulting in elevated levels.