Gilbert syndrome
Digestive system
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Definition
Gilbert syndrome is a common disorder passed down through families. It affects the way bilirubin is processed by the liver, and may cause the skin to take on a yellow color (jaundice) at times.
Causes
Gilbert syndrome affects 1 in 10 people in some white groups. This condition occurs due to an variant gene, which is passed from parents to their children.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (mild jaundice)
In people with Gilbert syndrome, jaundice most often appears during times of exertion, stress, dehydration, menstruation, and infection, or when they do not eat.
Exams and Tests
A blood test for bilirubin shows changes that occur with Gilbert syndrome. The total bilirubin level is mildly elevated, with most being unconjugated bilirubin. Most often the total level is less than 2 mg/dL, and the conjugated bilirubin level is normal.
Gilbert syndrome is due to a genetic change, but genetic testing is not needed.
Treatment
No treatment is necessary for Gilbert syndrome.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Jaundice may come and go throughout life. It is more likely to appear during illnesses such as colds. It does not cause health problems. However, it can confuse the results of tests for jaundice.
Possible Complications
There are no known complications.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your health care provider if you have jaundice or pain in the abdomen that does not go away.
Prevention
There is no proven prevention.
References
Korenblat KM, Berk PD. Approach to the patient with jaundice or abnormal liver tests. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 133.
Lidofsky SD. Jaundice. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 21.
Squires JE, Balistreri WF. Manifestations of liver disease. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 403.
Review Date: 4/21/2025
Reviewed By: Todd Eisner, MD, Private practice specializing in Gastroenterology in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Florida at Gastroenterology Consultants of Boca Raton. Affiliate Assistant Professor, Florida Atlantic University School of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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