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Definition:
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Gilbert's disease is a common disorder passed down through families. It affects the way bilirubin is processed by the liver, and causes jaundice.
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Alternative Names:
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Icterus intermittens juvenilis; Low-grade chronic hyperbilirubinemia; Familial non-hemolytic-non-obstructive jaundice; Constitutional liver dysfunction; Unconjugated benign bilirubinemia
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Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
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Gilbert's disease affects up to 10% of people in some Caucasian populations.
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Symptoms:
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- Fatigue
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (mild jaundice)
Note: In people with Gilbert's syndrome, jaundice typically appears during times of exertion, stress, and infection, or when they do not eat.
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Signs and tests:
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An indirect bilirubin blood test shows changes that occur with Gilbert's disease.
A genetic problem is associated with Gilbert's disease, but genetic testing is not needed.
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Treatment:
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No treatment is necessary for Gilbert's disease.
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Expectations (prognosis):
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Jaundice may come and go throughout your life, especially during illnesses such as colds. It does not cause health problems, but it can confuse the results of tests for jaundice.
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Complications:
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There are no known complications.
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Calling your health care provider:
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Call your health care provider if you have jaundice or persistent abdominal pain.
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Prevention:
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There is no proven prevention.
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References:
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Berk PD, Korenblat KM. Approach to the patient with jaundice or abnormal liver test results. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 150.
Lidofsky SD. Jaundice. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 20.
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