Gilbert's Disease

Definition

Gilbert's disease is a multifactorial inherited disorder 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 bilirubinemia

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Gilbert's disease is common, affecting up to 10% of some Caucasian populations. The most significant symptom of this condition is jaundice. Affected individuals ordinarily have no jaundice. However, jaundice appears under conditions of exertion, stress, fasting, and infections. The condition is usually benign.

Symptoms

• Mild jaundice (yellowing of skin and whites of eyes)
• Fatigue

Note: There may be no symptoms.

Signs and tests

A serial serum indirect bilirubin (a blood test), shows changes consistent with Gilbert's disease.

Treatment

Usually no treatment is necessary. The focus should be 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

Because this is an inherited disorder, there is no proven prevention.

•	Bilirubin
•	Jaundice - yellow skin
•	Benign