Gilbert's syndrome Detailed Information

Gilbert's syndrome is a disorder that affects the method the liver processes bilirubin. Bilirubin is the natural waste product the body produces in the collapse of haemoglobin - the oxygen-carrying compound present within red blood cells. New red blood cells are continuously being manufactured in the bone narrow and old cells broken down; each red cell lasts about 120 days. The exact cause of Gilbert's syndrome is unknown, but gilbert's syndrome may be caused by diminished activity of a particular enzyme.

The diminished activity of the enzyme makes the liver less capable of processing bilirubin. Gilbert syndrome is caused by mutation in the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase gene. Mutations in the same gene cause the Crigler-Najjar syndrome, which is a more severe and dangerous form of hyperbilirubinemia (high bilirubin in the blood). Gilbert's syndrome is found in about 5 percent of the population and is due to raised levels of a natural color called bilirubin in the blood. Gilbert's syndrome is a normal finding in people in North America and Europe. The condition is usually sensed serendipitously in the course of routine blood screening.

Gilbert's Syndrome can cause gentle jaundice from time to time. Mild jaundice may show under conditions of exertion, stress, fasting, and infections, but the condition is otherwise asymptomatic. Other symptoms are sometimes reported, including gastrointestinal complaints, tiredness, weakness or abdominal pain. However, it is not clear that these symptoms are directly associated to upper levels of bilirubin. Gilbert’s syndrome is not related to viral hepatitis, which also causes jaundice. A person with Gilbert’s syndrome has normal (straw-colored) urine. A person with hepatitis will usually have dark urine and may also have a fever.

Gilbert Syndrome is due to a diminished amount of a chemical in the liver which processes a breakdown product of blood cells called bilirubin. Gilbert’s syndrome is a mild disorder that typically doesn’t require medical treatment. People with the disorder lead normal, healthy lives. Medication is available that may lower bilirubin levels and decrease the jaundice if this become a problem. Gilbert syndrome is an inherited genetic disorder. Getting the disorder isn't related to lifestyle habits or environment. The only method to the erotically prevent the condition is to keep parents from passing the abnormal gene that causes it on to their children.