What is Gilbert syndrome?
Gilbert Syndrome is a common, harmless genetic condition in which a liver enzyme essential to the disposal of bilirubin (the chemical that results from the normal breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells) is abnormal. The condition has also been referred to as constitutional hepatic dysfunction and familial nonhemolytic jaundice.
The enzyme abnormality in Gilbert syndrome results in mild elevations of bilirubin in the blood, particularly after starvation, consumption of alcohol, or dehydration.
What causes Gilbert syndrome?
Gilbert syndrome is the result of a genetic mutation in the promoter region of a gene for the enzyme UGT1A (one of the enzymes called UGT glucuronosyltransferases that are important for bilirubin metabolism).
- The gene is located on chromosome 2. Other types of mutations in the same gene cause the Crigler-Najjar syndrome, which is a more severe and dangerous form of hyperbilirubinemia (high bilirubin in the blood).
- People with two copies of the abnormal promoter region for the UGT1A gene (one inherited from each parent) have Gilbert's syndrome and elevated bilirubin levels, suggesting an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. This means that both parents require the gene for the expression of the abnormality in the offspring.
Gilbert syndrome is a frequent finding in people in the United States and Europe. The condition is usually detected serendipitously (purely by accident) in the course of routine blood screening.
What are the signs and symptoms of Gilbert syndrome?
The elevated bilirubin pigment can sometimes cause mild yellowing (jaundice) of the eyes. People with Gilbert syndrome are otherwise entirely normal with no other signs or symptoms. Their liver enzyme levels in blood serum are also entirely normal.
SLIDESHOW
Anemia: Common Causes, Symptoms, Types, and Treatment See SlideshowHow is Gilbert syndrome diagnosed?
Gilbert syndrome is most commonly diagnosed after puberty when alterations in sex hormone levels cause the blood bilirubin levels to rise. Situations that aggravate elevated blood bilirubin levels (such as fasting, destruction of red blood cells, or illnesses) may be the initial factors that cause the patient to seek medical attention.
What is the treatment for Gilbert syndrome?
There is no need for treatment, and the prognosis (outlook) is excellent.
Health News
- 5,000+ Measles Cases Threaten Canada’s Elimination Status
- Home Exercises Ease Knee Arthritis Pain
- Puberty: The Signs, Stages & When to See a Doctor
- Medical Debt May Soon Return to Credit Reports
- Sitting For Long Periods? Sip Cocoa Or Munch Berries To Protect Heart Health, Experts Say
More Health News »
Top Gilbert Syndrome Related Articles
Anemia: Common Causes, Symptoms, Types, and TreatmentAnemia is a disease marked by low numbers of red blood cells. Low iron deficiency or underlying disease, like cancer, may be to blame. Treatment can resolve anemia.
AnemiaAnemia (lack of blood) symptoms can vary depending on the cause. Symptoms may include fatigue, pale skin, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness. There are several anemia types....
Are Lazy Eyes Genetic?From a child’s birth until their 18th birthday, the brain and eyes form crucial connections. Genetics can play a role in causing lazy eyes. In case of a family history of amblyopia (lazy eye), it is...
Bilirubin TestBilirubin is a waste product of the normal breakdown of red blood cells in the liver. Normal bilirubin levels vary from lab to lab, and range from around 0.2 to 1.2 mg/dL. High levels of bilirubin...
Do All Cancers Show Up on Blood Tests?Early diagnosis and treatment of cancer increase the chances of recovery and gives a better chance of survival. No single test can accurately diagnose cancer. An accurate diagnosis of cancer and the...
Family Health History: Genetics, DNA Testing and Your HealthWebMD explains why your doctor asks about your relatives' health conditions and how you can get the information if you don’t know.
Ferritin Blood TestFerritin is a protein in the body that is used to store iron. The ferritin blood test can detect elevated or low levels of ferritin in the body, which may indicate disease such as hemochromatosis,...
Genetic DiseasesThe definition of a genetic disease is a disorder or condition caused by abnormalities in a person's genome. Some types of genetic inheritance include single inheritance, including cystic...
11 Surprising Things Your Genes Say About YouExplore what role DNA plays in your health, love life, and more in this WebMD slideshow.
Jaundice in AdultsJaundice or hyperbilirubinemia in adults is caused by an underlying disease or condition. Learn about when to worry about jaundice in adults, symptoms, treatment, causes, diagnosis, and prevention.
Liver Blood Tests: AST Normal Range, Results, FunctionAn initial step in detecting liver damage is a simple blood test to determine the presence of certain liver enzymes in the blood. Under normal circumstances, these enzymes reside within the cells of...
Liver PictureFront View of the Liver. The liver is a large, meaty organ that sits on the right side of the belly. See a picture of the Liver and learn more about the health topic.
PubertyThe time when boys and girls begin the process of sexual maturation is called puberty. During this time, both sexes undergo a series of biological changes that include a rapid increase in height,...
The Digestion ProcessDigestion is the complex process of turning the food you eat into the energy you need to survive. The digestive process also involves creating waste to be eliminated and is made of a series of...