Gilbert's syndrome

Description

Gilbert (zheel-BAYR) 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.

Gilbert's syndrome is a genetic disorder hereditary. You might not know you have Gilbert's syndrome, until it is discovered by accident, as when a blood test shows elevated levels of bilirubin.

Gilbert's syndrome does not require any treatment.

Symptoms

The most frequent sign of Gilbert's syndrome is an occasional yellowish tint of the skin and sclera of the eye as a result of slightly higher levels of bilirubin in the blood. In people with Gilbert's syndrome, bilirubin levels can increase due to:

  • The disease, like a cold or the flu
  • Fasting or eating a very low calorie value of the diet
  • Dehydration
  • Menstruation
  • The strenuous exercise
  • Stress

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your health care provider if you have jaundice, which has many possible causes.

Causes

Gilbert's syndrome is caused by a gene-modified inherit from their parents. This gene controls an enzyme that helps break down the bilirubin in the liver. When you have a failure of the genes, their blood contains an excessive amount of bilirubin because your body does not produce enough of the enzyme.

How the body metabolizes the bilirubin

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment that is formed when the body breaks down old red blood cells. Bilirubin travels through the bloodstream to the liver, where the enzyme breaks down the pigment and removes it from the blood.

Bilirubin passes from the liver to the intestine with the bile. It is then excreted in the feces. A small amount of bilirubin remains in the blood.

How the modified gene is passed down through families

The modification of the gene that causes Gilbert's syndrome is common. Many people carry one copy of this gene. In most cases, two modified copies are necessary to cause Gilbert's syndrome.

Risk factors

Although present from birth, Gilbert's syndrome, which usually are not noticed until puberty or later, because the bilirubin production increases during puberty. You have a higher risk of Gilbert's syndrome if:

  • Both parents carry the modified gene that causes the disorder
  • You're a man

Complications

The low level of bilirubin processing of the enzyme that causes Gilbert's syndrome may also increase the side effects of certain medications, as this enzyme plays an important role in helping to clarify these medications to your body.

These medications include:

  • Irinotecan (Camptosar), a cancer chemotherapy drug
  • Some protease inhibitors used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

If you have Gilbert's syndrome, talk with your health care provider before taking new medications. Also, have any other condition that prevents the destruction of red blood cells in the blood can increase your risk of developing gallstones.

Gilbert's syndrome

Diagnosis

Your doctor may suspect Gilbert's syndrome if you have pain, jaundice, or if the bilirubin level is elevated in the blood. Other symptoms that suggest the Gilbert's syndrome, as well as a number of other liver conditions include dark urine and abdominal pain.

To rule out more common conditions of the liver, your doctor may order a complete blood count and liver function tests.

The combination of the standard blood counts and liver enzymes with a high level of bilirubin is an indicator of Gilbert's syndrome. No other test is usually necessary, although genetic testing can confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Gilbert's syndrome does not require treatment. The levels of bilirubin in the blood can fluctuate over time. From time to time there may be jaundice, that usually resolve on its on without adverse effects.

Self-care

Certain life events, such as stress, may trigger episodes of high levels of bilirubin in Gilbert's syndrome, leading to jaundice. Take steps to manage these situations can help to keep bilirubin levels under control.

These steps include:

  • Make sure that your health care providers you have Gilbert's syndrome. Because Gilbert's syndrome affects the way the body processes certain medications, each provider visit needs to know that you have the disease.
  • Eat a healthy diet. Avoid extremely low-calorie diets. Stick to a routine feeding schedule, and avoid fasting or skipping meals.
  • Manage stress. Find ways to cope with stress in your life. Exercise, meditation and listening to music can be helpful.

Preparing for your appointment

Before your appointment, you might want to write down questions to ask your health care provider, including:

  • It is my bilirubin level significantly elevated?
  • Should I have my bilirubin level tested again?
  • Could Gilbert's syndrome cause of my symptoms and signs?
  • Could the medications that I am taking for other conditions worsen Gilbert's syndrome?
  • Can Gilbert's syndrome cause complications or lead to damages in the liver?
  • I have a higher risk of gallstones?
  • Is there anything I can do to maintain a low level of bilirubin?
  • Is jaundice harmful?
  • How likely is it that my children are going to inherit the Gilbert's syndrome?
Symptoms and treatment of Gilbert's syndrome