Gilbert's Syndrome

What is Gilbert's syndrome?

Gilbert's syndrome is a condition where the liver does not process bilirubin very well. It is sometimes called Gilbert's disease although it does not cause 'disease' as such. The liver itself is normal and the condition is usually harmless. The condition is named after the doctor who first described it in 1901.

What is bilirubin and what happens in Gilbert's syndrome?

Bilirubin is constantly being made. It is a breakdown product of haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a chemical that is in red blood cells and carries oxygen to the tissues. Many red blood cells and haemoglobin break down each day, and bilirubin is one of the 'waste' products. Bilirubin is carried in the bloodstream to the liver where it is taken in by liver cells. The liver cells 'process' the bilirubin which is then passed out from the liver into the gut with the bile.

An enzyme (chemical) in liver cells called urodine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) helps the liver cells to process the bilirubin. People with Gilbert's syndrome have a reduced level of this enzyme and so a 'back-log' of bilirubin can build up in the bloodstream. A high level of bilirubin causes jaundice (a yellowing of the skin).

In people with Gilbert's syndrome, the blood level of bilirubin can go up and down. Often the level is within the normal range. At other times it is higher than normal, but not very high.

Who gets Gilbert's syndrome?

Gilbert's syndrome is a very common hereditary condition. About 1 in 20 people have this syndrome - but most will not be aware of it. It is more common in men than women. It is often first diagnosed in the late teens or early twenties.

What are the symptoms of Gilbert's syndrome?

Usually none

The level of bilirubin in the blood goes up and down. However, this does not usually cause any problems as the level does not go very high.

Jaundice

If the level of bilirubin goes above a certain level you become jaundiced (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes). This is because bilirubin is an orangy-yellow colour. Some people with Gilbert's syndrome become mildly jaundiced from time to time. This may seem alarming, but is of little concern if the cause is Gilbert's syndrome. The jaundice tends to occur most commonly if you are ill with another problem such as an infection or repeated vomiting, or during times of exertion or stress.

Other symptoms are uncommon

The jaundice itself does not usually cause any problems. However, some people with Gilbert's syndrome report other symptoms, most commonly: tiredness, mild weakness, mild abdominal pains and mild nausea. It is not clear whether these symptoms are actually related to Gilbert's syndrome. It is possible that they may develop from time to time due to unfounded anxiety about the condition. There does not seem to be any relationship between these symptoms and the level of bilirubin in the blood. That is, these symptoms may develop irrespective of whether the level of bilirubin is high or normal.

Do I need any tests?

Jaundice (a high level of bilirubin) can be caused by many different diseases of the liver and blood. Therefore, if you develop jaundice you are likely to need tests to clarify the cause and to rule out serious disease. A blood test can usually confirm the diagnosis of Gilbert's syndrome as it shows a mildly raised level of bilirubin, but with all the other liver tests being normal. Rarely, other tests such as a liver biopsy may be done to rule out liver diseases if the diagnosis is in doubt.

Gilbert's syndrome is also commonly diagnosed by chance when routine blood tests that are done for other problems show a raised level of bilirubin.

What is the treatment for Gilbert's syndrome?

No treatment is needed. People with Gilbert's syndrome normally lead healthy lives. Life expectancy is not affected. Mild jaundice may recur from time to time for short periods, but usually causes no health problems.

The take home message is - Gilbert's syndrome is really a mild abnormality of how the liver processes a chemical called bilirubin. It is not really a 'disease' and does not normally cause problems.

Further help and information

British Liver Trust

2 Southampton Road Ringwood BH24 1HY
Tel (helpline): 0800 652 7330 Web: www.britishlivertrust.org.uk

Action on Gilbert's Syndrome

Web: www.gilbertssyndrome.org.uk