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Gilbert's disease

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Digestive system
Digestive system
Digestive system organs
Digestive system organs

Alternative Names    Return to top

Icterus intermittens juvenilis; Low-grade chronic hyperbilirubinemia; Familial non-hemolytic-non-obstructive jaundice; Constitutional liver dysfunction; Unconjugated benign bilirubinemia

Definition    Return to top

Gilbert's disease is a common disorder passed down through families.It affects the way bilirubin is processed by the liver, and causes jaundice.

Causes    Return to top

Gilbert's disease affects up to 10% of people in some Caucasian populations. The condition is usually noncancerous (benign).

Symptoms    Return to top

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

Exams and Tests    Return to top

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

Treatment    Return to top

No treatment is necessary for Gilbert's disease.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Jaundice may come and go throughout your life, especially during illnesses such as colds. However, it usually does not cause health problems.

Possible Complications    Return to top

There are no known complications.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have jaundice or persistent abdominal pain.

Prevention    Return to top

There is no proven prevention.

References    Return to top

Berk PD, Korenblat KM. Approach to the patient with jaundice or abnormal liver test results. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 150.

Update Date: 4/23/2009

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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