What Causes Raised Bilirubin Level?

Posted on Thu, 10 Jul 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 10 Jul 2014 Answered on

Fri, 1 Aug 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Routine blood work showed elevated bilirubin last year. Dr tested Reticulyte ,LDH and LFT's. All normal. Dr said gilberts . I asked to have hepetitis test and ultrasound as I stress about my health. Both normal. Have retested on my own the LFT's for last 9 months. Everything normal except bilirubin. Here are the results: 7/10/14 Total bili 2.8, 11/15/13 total 2.5, direct .8 ,12/10 total 2.5, 12/30 direct.3, 1/20/14 total .65. ,indirect . 5, direct .14, 4/15/14 total 1.6,indirect 1.3, direct .25.My dr assured me it is nothing to worry about but I do get stressed about my health. Do you agree with Gilberts dx?

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Appears XXXXXXX

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing in

The fact that Bilirubin level is raised and liver enzymes are normal does pint to Gilbert's disease

Yes there is no reason to worry, Gilberts is a disease where liver metabolism is affected so bilirubin levels will keep fluctuating

It is typically harmless and needs supportive treatment only

Gilbert's syndrome is caused by an inherited gene mutation.

So just reassure yourself and continue with your physician's advice

Hope this helps
Do write back in case of concern

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (54 minutes later)

If i had something serious it would have showed on the tests or ultrasound? I tend to worry alot about my health

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
For Sure

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing in again

Yes any abnormality in structure or function would surely reflect in the ultrasound and/or liver function test respectively

Re assure yourself and keep cool

Hope all clear
Wishing you a healthy life ahead

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (10 hours later)

One last question. My indirect is always highest, There was one time where direct was slightly elevated but still much less then indirect. My Dr said this is no concern and this can happen with Gilberts. Would you agree? Thank you for your re assurance and help

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (21 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Definitely

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for your followup

Yes I would agree with your doctor the bilirubin levels do keep on fluctuating in Gilbert's

Hope this clears your doubts
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari