Gilbert’s Syndrome
What is Gilbert's Syndrome?
Gilbert's Syndrome is a harmless condition involving the liver, caused
by the liver’s
handling of the yellow pigment 'bilirubin' properly.
Haemoglobin
is a chemical in the red cells that carries oxygen to the
tissues. One of the breakdown products of haemoglobin is called bilirubin.
An enzyme called UDB Glucuronyl Transferase which helps the body get rid of
Bilirubin. Gilbert's syndrome is a genetic disorder which means that there
is a slight deficiency of this enzyme.
When there is less enzyme than normal, levels of Bilirubin increase in the
blood and the person may notice jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites
of the eyes). This jaundice may become more pronounced when the person is
stressed, either physically or mentally. Thus, jaundice may develop when the
person becomes ill with an infection or when stressed, for example when
taking an exam.
Gilbert's is often diagnosed in the late teens and early twenties. The
condition is inherited and is relatively common being estimated to affect
about 1 person in 20. Men are often affected more than women. The condition
usually has no symptoms although some people do complain of stomach pains.
It
isn't known to lead to any other kind of disease and it doesn't affect the
length of life. There are no specific treatments.
Gilbert's syndrome is usually detected because of mild jaundice, or because
slightly abnormal liver tests are noted when blood tests are performed for
unrelated reasons. It is important to make the diagnosis so that the person
can be reassured and serious liver disease excluded as a possibility.
The diagnosis can often be made on the basis of simple blood tests. All the
liver tests should be normal apart from the serum bilirubin, which is
increased.
Different blood tests may need to be carried out, if there are other
symptoms. These will look for other reasons that the levels of bilirubin
might be raised, such as other undiagnosed liver diseases. It is only rarely
that a liver biopsy is necessary. In some cases more specific tests may be
needed to confirm the diagnosis and this should be discussed with your
specialist.
Useful
Web Pages
www.britishlivertrust.org.uk/content/
Email us, at Anglers
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