Gilbert’s syndrome

DEFINITION

Gilbert’s syndrome is a common, mild liver condition in which the liver doesn’t properly process a substance called bilirubin. Bilirubin is produced by the breakdown of red blood cells.

Gilbert’s (zheel-BAYRZ) syndrome typically is harmless and doesn’t require treatment.

Gilbert’s syndrome is caused by an inherited gene mutation. You’re born with Gilbert’s syndrome, though it often goes undiscovered for many years. Gilbert’s syndrome is often discovered by accident, such as when you have a blood test that shows elevated bilirubin levels.

Gilbert’s syndrome is also known as constitutional hepatic dysfunction and familial nonhemolytic jaundice.

CAUSES

Gilbert’s syndrome is caused by an abnormal gene that you inherit from your parents. The gene controls an enzyme that helps break down bilirubin in your liver. With an ineffective gene, excess amounts of bilirubin build up in your blood.

How the body normally processes bilirubin

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment that’s made when your body breaks down old red blood cells. Bilirubin travels through your bloodstream to the liver. Normally an enzyme in liver cells breaks down the bilirubin and removes it from the bloodstream. The bilirubin passes from the liver into the intestines with bile. It’s then excreted in stool. A small amount of bilirubin remains in the blood.

How the abnormal gene is passed through families

The abnormal gene that causes Gilbert’s syndrome is common. Many people carry one copy of this abnormal gene. Two abnormal copies are usually needed to cause Gilbert’s syndrome.

SYMPTOMS

The lone sign of Gilbert’s disease is that your skin and the whites of your eyes occasionally have a yellowish tinge (jaundice). This is caused by the slightly elevated levels of bilirubin in your blood. Some conditions and situations may increase bilirubin levels, and thereby jaundice, in people with Gilbert’s syndrome. These include:

• Illness, such as a cold or the flu
• Fasting or eating a very low-calorie diet
• Dehydration
• Menstruation
• Stress
• Strenuous exercise
• Lack of sleep

The jaundice will go away when these conditions resolve.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience jaundice. Jaundice has many possible causes.