Gilbert Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment and Complications

Gilbert syndrome is a common benign liver disease that is caused by the liver processing bilirubin improperly. Bilirubin is created during the breakdown of red blood cells.

A genetic condition known as Gilbert syndrome runs in the family. It is possible that, like in the instance of elevated bilirubin levels found during a regular blood test, you are unaware that you have Gilbert syndrome until it is inadvertently discovered. Gilbert syndrome has no recognized cure.

Causes Of Gilbert Syndrome

You inherit the defective gene that results in Gilbert syndrome from your parents. Usually, this gene controls an enzyme that helps the liver break down bilirubin. When you have an inefficient gene, your body produces insufficient amounts of the enzyme, which results in an excess of bilirubin in your blood.

As your body breaks down older red blood cells, it creates bilirubin, a yellowish pigment. Bilirubin is transported by your bloodstream to the liver, where it is broken down by an enzyme and eliminated from your body.

Bilirubin flows from the liver into the intestines with bile. Then it releases the stool. The blood still contains a small amount of bilirubin.

Gilbert syndrome is caused by a mutated gene that is commonly discovered. Two distorted copies are frequently the cause of Gilbert syndrome.

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Symptoms Of Gilbert Syndrome

The most common sign of Gilbert syndrome is a random yellowish tinge to the skin and whites of the eyes, which is caused by slightly raised blood bilirubin levels. Patients with Gilbert syndrome may experience an increase in bilirubin levels due to:

• Illnesses like the flu or a cold, calorie restriction, or fasting
• The lack of water
• Menstruation
• Strenuous exercises
• Stress

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Risk Factors Of Gilbert Syndrome

Although bilirubin production rises during puberty, symptoms of Gilbert syndrome usually do not manifest until puberty or later. The syndrome is present from birth. Gilbert syndrome has a higher chance of happening if:

• Both of your parents carry the mutated gene that results in the illness.
• Male gender

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Diagnosis Of Gilbert Syndrome

Gilbert syndrome may be recommended by your doctor if you have increased bilirubin levels. Two more symptoms that indicate several liver problems, including Gilbert syndrome, are abdominal pain and black urine.

To rule out more common liver problems, your doctor can ask for a complete blood count and liver function tests.

High bilirubin levels, in addition to routine blood counts and liver testing, are indicative of Gilbert syndrome. Additional testing is usually not necessary, even if genetic testing can confirm the diagnosis.

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Treatment Of Gilbert Syndrome

Gilbert syndrome does not require medical intervention. The amount of bilirubin in your blood may fluctuate over time. Jaundice is an uncommon condition that often clears up on its own without any issues.

Complications Of Gilbert Syndrome

A low level of the bilirubin-processing enzyme that causes Gilbert syndrome may also increase the likelihood that other medications will produce side effects because this enzyme helps your body eliminate other substances.

These medications include:

• A medicine known as irinotecan (Camptosar), which fights cancer
• A small number of protease inhibitors for HIV treatment
• If you have Gilbert syndrome, speak with your doctor before taking any new medication. Furthermore, possessing any other illness that hinders the breakdown of red blood cells may increase your risk of developing gallstones.

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