Gilbert's disease is a common disorder passed down through families that affects the way bilirubin is processed by the liver and causes jaundice.
Icterus intermittens juvenilis; Low-grade chronic hyperbilirubinemia; Familial non-hemolytic-non-obstructive jaundice; Constitutional liver dysfunction; Unconjugated benign bilirubinemia
Gilbert's disease affects up to 10% of some Caucasian populations. The condition is usually benign.
- Mild jaundice (yellowing of skin and whites of eyes)
- Fatigue
Note: Jaundice typically appears during times of exertion, stress, not eating, and infection.
An indirect bilirubin blood test shows changes consistent with Gilbert's disease.
Usually no treatment is necessary. Treatment should focus on the underlying condition that caused the jaundice.
Jaundice may come and go throughout the patient's life, but usually causes no health problems.
There are usually no complications.
Call your health care provider if you have jaundice or persistent abdominal pain.
There is no proven prevention.
Review Date:
5/3/2007
Reviewed By:
Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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