Gilbert’s Syndrome

Causes

Gilbert’s syndrome is a common, harmless liver condition in which the liver doesn’t properly process bilirubin.

Symptoms and Signs

The most frequent sign of Gilbert’s syndrome is an occasional yellowish tinge of the skin and the whites of the eyes as a result of the slightly elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. In people with Gilbert’s syndrome, bilirubin levels may increase and jaundice may become apparent because of:

• Illness, such as a cold or the flu
• Fasting or eating a very low-calorie diet
• Dehydration
• Menstruation
• Stress
• Strenuous exercise
• Lack of sleep

Diagnosis

• Serum bilirubin levels

Treatment

• No treatment required