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Gilbert’s syndrome is an inherited liver condition characterized by a deficiency in liver enzymes responsible for maintaining normal bilirubin levels. This common and harmless liver condition usually does not require any specific treatment.
Bilirubin is a yellow waste product naturally produced by the body when it breaks down old red blood cells. When the liver cannot efficiently process bilirubin, it can lead to hyperbilirubinemia or an excess of bilirubin.
Gilbert’s syndrome typically goes unnoticed until it is incidentally discovered, often through routine blood tests that reveal elevated bilirubin levels.
Symptoms
About one in three persons who have Gilbert’s syndrome are without symptoms. If it does, it is primarily characterized by jaundice, resulting from slightly elevated bilirubin levels in the blood. Although jaundice can cause the skin and eye whites to turn yellow, it is not dangerous.
People with Gilbert’s syndrome may experience increased bilirubin levels due to various factors such as illness (such as a cold or flu), fasting or consuming a very low-calorie diet, dehydration, menstruation, strenuous exercise, and stress.
In some cases, people with Gilbert’s syndrome or jaundice also experience:
- Clay-colored feces or dark-colored pee
- Loss of appetite
- Inability to concentrate
- Lightheadedness
- Digestive issues, including nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
- Exhaustion
- Chills and fever are flu-like symptoms
If persistent gastrointestinal issues, dark-colored urine, clay-colored stool, fever with chills, or jaundice is experienced, it is advisable to contact a healthcare provider. These symptoms may indicate underlying health concerns that require evaluation and guidance.
Causes
The body produces bilirubin by breaking down old red blood cells, forming a yellowish pigment. This bilirubin travels to the liver through the bloodstream, where an enzyme breaks it down and removes it. The liver releases the processed bilirubin into the intestines with bile, and it is eventually expelled in stool. A minor amount of bilirubin is retained in the blood.
A properly functioning UGT1A1 gene produces liver enzymes responsible for breaking down bilirubin and eliminating it from the body. In contrast, individuals with a mutated UGT1A1 gene generate only around 30% of the necessary enzymes. Accumulation of excess bilirubin in the bloodstream occurs when bilirubin fails to transfer into bile as it normally would.
The mutated gene that causes Gilbert syndrome is frequently passed down through families, or from a parent to a child. Gilbert syndrome is often caused by two altered copies, with many individuals carrying a single copy of this gene.
Risk factors
Gilbert’s syndrome is an inherited liver condition characterized by a deficiency in liver enzymes responsible for maintaining normal bilirubin levels. This common and harmless liver condition usually does not require any specific treatment.
Bilirubin is a yellow waste product naturally produced by the body when it breaks down old red blood cells. When the liver cannot efficiently process bilirubin, it can lead to hyperbilirubinemia or an excess of bilirubin.
Gilbert’s syndrome typically goes unnoticed until it is incidentally discovered, often through routine blood tests that reveal elevated bilirubin levels.
Diagnosis
Gilbert’s syndrome is a hereditary disorder that manifests from birth. Until elevated bilirubin levels are shown in blood testing, it frequently goes undiagnosed.
In the event that the bilirubin level is elevated, or one has unexplained jaundice, the healthcare provider may suggest Gilbert syndrome. Aside from blood testing, other tests may be required such as:
- Liver function tests: This can assist in evaluating the health of the liver and determine bilirubin levels.
- Genetic testing: This can confirm the diagnosis, specifically look for the Gilbert’s syndrome-causing gene mutation.
Abdominal pain and black urine are two other symptoms that point to several liver disorders, including Gilbert syndrome.
Treatment
Jaundice, a symptom associated with Gilbert’s syndrome, can result in a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes, which may be concerning to some. However, it’s important to note that both jaundice and Gilbert’s syndrome typically do not require any specific treatment. Jaundice is a relatively rare occurrence and often resolves on its own without causing any complications. Additionally, bilirubin levels in the blood can fluctuate over time.
Strategies may be suggested to reduce episodes of jaundice associated with Gilbert’s syndrome, such as:
- Managing stress: This can aid with regulating bilirubin levels. Implementing stress management techniques such as exercise, meditation, and listening to music may be beneficial in mitigating the impact of stress on bilirubin levels. Stress and other life events can set off episodes of elevated bilirubin levels in Gilbert syndrome, which can result in jaundice.
- Maintaining a healthy diet: This include refraining from fasting or missing meals, maintaining a regular eating schedule, and avoiding extremely low-calorie diets.
- Informing the healthcare providers of the condition: Ensure that every healthcare provider is aware of one’s Gilbert syndrome. This is important so they can make informed decisions about which medications to prescribe, determine appropriate dosages, and make any necessary adjustments to accommodate the specific characteristics of the condition.
