Gilbert Syndrome

It is an herditary disease cause for increased bilirubin. It is an autosomal recessive condition charecterized by intermittent jaundice int he absence of hemolysis or liver disease.It is seen in 5% of the population.The main feature is that it causes jaundice which do not need treatment, caused by unconjugated bilirubin in the blood stream. It is benign condition with no mortality or morbidity.

It is caused activity of the enzyme glucuronyltransferase which conjugates bilirubin.Conjugation makes the bilirubin water soluble so that it can be excreted in bile in to the duodenum.The bilirubin level will be less that 6mg/dl. In some patients the bilirubin may be normal. The levels of bilirubin vary daily and seasonally. It is precipitated by dehydration, fasting, menstrual periods or stress.

The patient are usualyy symptomatic less than 30%, sometimes they may have abdominal cramps, fatigue and malaise.

Symptoms

• Intermittent mild jaundice.
• Malaise.
• The prognosis of the disease is very good.