Gilbert

Gilbert's syndrome is a common, harmless liver condition in which the liver does not properly process bilirubin. Bilirubin is produced by the breakdown of red blood cells. If you have Gilbert's syndrome — also known as constitutional hepatic dysfunction and familial nonhemolytic jaundice — you're born with it as a result of an inherited gene mutation.

Symptoms

People with Gilbert's syndrome often experience no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, it's usually because bilirubin has built up in the blood and is depositing in the skin. Symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Abdominal pain
• Jaundice — a yellowish tinge to the skin and the whites of the eyes

Causes

Gilbert's syndrome is caused by an inherited gene mutation. You inherit one abnormal gene from each parent. If you only inherit one abnormal gene, you won't have symptoms, but you are a carrier of the disorder and can pass it to your children.

Diagnosis

Gilbert's syndrome is usually discovered by accident, such as when a blood test that measures bilirubin levels is done. This test might be part of a routine laboratory workup, or it might be done if you have symptoms such as jaundice.

Treatment

No treatment is necessary for Gilbert's syndrome. The bilirubin levels in your blood may fluctuate over time and you may occasionally experience jaundice. However, this usually doesn't require treatment.

See also

• Liver disease
• Jaundice
• Bilirubin

Gilbert Resources
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