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Medical Encyclopedia |
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Alternative Names Return to top
Icterus intermittens juvenilis; Low-grade chronic hyperbilirubinemia; Familial non-hemolytic-non-obstructive jaundice; Constitutional liver dysfunction; Unconjugated benign bilirubinemiaDefinition 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.
