Gilbert's syndrome

Gilbert's syndrome (also called constitutional liver dysfunction or familial non-hemolytic jaundice) is a common hereditary disorder. When you have it, too much waste called bilirubin builds up in your blood. Sometimes it can make the skin and eyes yellow.

Gilbert's syndrome sounds scarier than it actually is. This is a harmless disease that does not require treatment.

Causes and risk factors of Gilbert's syndrome

This happens when a gene called UGT1A1 changes or mutates. This gene contains instructions for making a liver enzyme that helps break down and remove bilirubin from the body.

Parents pass mutations in the UGT1A1 gene to their children. You need two copies of the mutated gene - one from each parent - to get it. Even if you have both genes, you may not have Gilbert's syndrome.

Gilbert's syndrome is more common in men than in women.

Symptoms of Gilbert's syndrome

Most people with Gilbert's syndrome do not have symptoms. They have enough liver enzymes to control bilirubin levels.

When bilirubin builds up in the blood, the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. This is called jaundice. Seek medical attention if you notice yellow skin and eyes, as another condition may be the cause.

Jaundice can cause other symptoms such as:

Nausea and diarrhea
Abdominal discomfort
Fatigue
Dark urine

Jaundice is a common problem in babies. But worse in children born with Gilbert's syndrome. Certain things can raise bilirubin levels, but you may only notice jaundice when you:

Are stressed
Are dehydrated
Exercise too much
Have an infection like the flu
Skip meals
Drink alcohol
Take medicines that affect your liver
Are outside in cold weather
Have your period
Are recovering from surgery

Diagnosis of Gilbert's syndrome

Although people are born with Gilbert's syndrome, sometimes it is not diagnosed until they are in their 20s or 30s. You may have a blood test for another reason, and your doctor may notice that you have high levels of bilirubin, which may indicate that you have the syndrome.

They may do additional tests to help diagnose you, including:

A liver ultrasound or liver function tests to rule out other problems
Gene tests to see if you have the UGT1A1 gene mutation
A liver biopsy (rarely done)

Gilbert's syndrome treatment and home remedies

Most people with Gilbert's syndrome do not need treatment. Jaundice does not cause any long-term problems.

To avoid this, try to avoid things that increase bilirubin levels. For example:

Don't skip meals.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Use relaxation techniques or other methods to manage stress.
Get a good night's sleep.
Limit your alcoholic drinks.
Skip long and strenuous workouts.

The same liver enzyme that breaks down bilirubin also breaks down some drugs, including:

Acetaminophen
Irinotecan (Camptosar), a cancer drug
Protease inhibitor drugs used to treat HIV and hepatitis C
Monoclonal antibodies used to treat autoimmune diseases

If you have Gilbert's syndrome and are taking any of these medications, you are at a higher risk of side effects such as diarrhea. Ask your doctor before taking any new medicines. And do not exceed the recommended dose.