Understanding the Liver
GILBERT SYNDROME
What is Gilbert syndrome?
Gilbert Syndrome is a common, harmless genetic condition in which a liver enzyme essential to the disposal of bilirubin (the chemical that results from the normal breakdown of haemoglobin from red blood cells) is abnormal.
GENETIC STATS
People with Gilbert syndrome have approximately 30 percent of normal bilirubin-UGT enzyme function. As a result, unconjugated bilirubin is not glucuronidated quickly enough.
DIAGNOSES
Gilbert’s syndrome can be diagnosed using a blood test to measure the levels of bilirubin in your blood and a liver function test.
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
While Gilbert’s syndrome is considered harmless, it is clinically important because it may give rise to a concern about a blood or liver condition.
SYMPTOMS
Most people with Gilbert’s syndrome experience short-lived episodes of jaundice due to the build-up of bilirubin in the blood.
