Gilbert's syndrome
What causes Gilberts syndrome?
Gilberts syndrome is a genetic disorder that's hereditary (itruns in families). People with the syndrome have a faulty gene which causes the liver to have problems removing bilirubin from the blood.
Normally, when red blood cells reach the end of their life (after about 120 days), haemoglobin the red pigment that carries oxygen in the blood breaks down into bilirubin.
The liver converts bilirubin into a water-soluble form, which passes into bile and is eventually removed from the body in urine or stools. Bilirubin gives urine its light yellow colour and stools their dark brown colour.
In Gilberts syndrome, the faulty gene means that bilirubin isn't passed into bile (a fluid produced by the liver to help with digestion)at the normal rate. Instead, it builds up in the bloodstream, giving the skin and white of the eyes a yellowish tinge.
Other than inheriting the faulty gene, there are no known risk factors for developing Gilbert's syndrome. It isn't related to lifestyle habits, environmental factors or serious underlying liver problems, such as cirrhosisor hepatitis C.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about Gilberts syndrome, a genetic hereditary disorder where slightly higher than normal levels of bilirubin build up in the bloodstream, causing jaundice.
Symptoms of Gilbert's syndrome
Mostpeople with Gilbert's syndrome experience occasional and short-lived episodes of jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) due to the build-up of bilirubin in the blood. As Gilbert
When to see your GP
See your GPif you experience an episode of jaundice for the first time. The jaundice of Gilbert's syndrome is usually mild, but jaundice can be associated with more serious liver problems, such as ci
What causes Gilberts syndrome?
Gilberts syndrome is a genetic disorder that's hereditary (itruns in families). People with the syndrome have a faulty gene which causes the liver to have problems removing bilirubin from the blood.
What triggers the symptoms?
People with Gilberts syndrome often find there are certain triggers that can bring on anepisode of jaundice. Some of the possible triggers linked with the condition include: being dehydrated goin
Who's affected
Gilberts syndrome is common, butit's difficult to know exactlyhow many people are affected because it doesn't always cause obvious symptoms. In the UK, it's thoughtthat at least 1in 20 people (probab
Diagnosing Gilbert's syndrome
Gilberts syndrome can be diagnosed using a blood test to measure the levels of bilirubin in your blood and a liver function test . When the liver is damaged, it releases enzymes into the blood. At th
Living with Gilbert's syndrome
Gilberts syndrome is a lifelong disorder. However, it doesn't require treatment because it doesn't pose athreat to health and doesn't cause complications or an increased risk of liver disease. Episod
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