Gilbert's disease

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Definition

Gilbert's disease is a common disorder passed down through families 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 affects up to 10% of some Caucasian populations. The condition is usually benign.

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

Note: Jaundice typically appears during times of exertion, stress, not eating, and infection.

Signs and tests

An indirect bilirubin blood test shows changes consistent with Gilbert's disease.

Treatment

Usually no treatment is necessary. Treatment should focus 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

There is no proven prevention.

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Review date: May 03, 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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