Gilbert Syndrome

What Is Gilbert's Syndrome?

Gilbert's Syndrome is a common and benign congenital (hereditary) liver disorder, found more frequently in males. It is characterized by mild, fluctuating increase in serum bilirubin, a yellow pigment excreted by the liver into bile. It is estimated that from 3 to 7 % of the adult population has Gilbert's Syndrome.

Bilirubin is produced from hemoglobin (the red pigment of red blood cells) in the bone marrow, spleen and elsewhere, and it is carried to the liver in the blood. It undergoes chemical changes in the liver and then is excreted into bile and passes out of the body. Only small amounts of bilirubin are normally present in the blood. However, when there is excessive breakdown of red blood cells or interference with bile excretion, the amount is increased and may produce jaundice.

What Are The Symptoms Of Gilbert’s Syndrome?

Almost always none. The onset of Gilbert's Syndrome usually occurs in the teens or early adulthood. There are rarely significant symptoms, but occasionally mild jaundice may appear, and the white of the eye may become yellow. It usually shows up during routine blood draw, and the serum bilirubin increases with fasting or during a viral illness such as influenza. Except for the elevated serum bilirubin level, other liver lab tests are normal.

How Do You Diagnosis Gilbert’s Syndrome?

The major goal of the clinician is to distinguish this benign, common disorder from more serious causes of liver diseases. The diagnosis of Gilbert's Syndrome is established primarily by documenting the persistence of an increased bilirubin in the blood when other liver function tests are repeatedly normal. Other diagnostic tests may be necessary to rule out other liver diseases.

What Is The Treatment For Gilbert’s Syndrome?

Gilbert's Syndrome does not require treatment and will not interfere with a normal lifestyle.

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