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Gilbert's disease
Definition
Gilbert's disease is a common disorder passed down through families that affects the way bilirubin is processed by the liver and causes jaundice.
Alternative Names
Icterus intermittens juvenilis; Low-grade chronic hyperbilirubinemia; Familial non-hemolytic-non-obstructive jaundice; Constitutional liver dysfunction; Unconjugated benign bilirubinemiaCauses, incidence, and risk factors
Gilbert's disease affects up to 10% of some Caucasian populations. The condition is usually benign.
Symptoms
- Mild jaundice (yellowing of skin and whites of eyes)
- Fatigue
Note: Jaundice typically appears during times of exertion, stress, not eating, and infection.
Signs and tests
An indirect bilirubin blood test shows changes consistent with Gilbert's disease.
Treatment
Usually no treatment is necessary. Treatment should focus on the underlying condition that caused the jaundice.
Expectations (prognosis)
Jaundice may come and go throughout the patient's life, but usually causes no health problems.
Complications
There are usually no complications.
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you have jaundice or persistent abdominal pain.
Prevention
There is no proven prevention.
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
