General Information About Gilbert's Syndrome
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a congenital condition where the enzyme in the liver responsible for clearing bilirubin (a yellow-colored pigment) produced by the breakdown of blood works less efficiently than normal.
It is absolutely not a disease or organ failure. It is a genetic trait that causes no harm to the body, where the structure of the liver is completely normal and healthy, showing up only in blood tests.
It is passed from parents to the child due to a hereditary and harmless mutation occurring in the gene named UGT1A1, which is involved in processing bilirubin.
While normally showing no symptoms; lack of sleep, heavy stress, experiencing prolonged hunger or thirst, strenuous sports, and going through infectious diseases (like the flu) cause a temporary yellowing of the whites of the eyes.
Diagnosis is made when liver enzymes (ALT, AST) are completely normal, but the Indirect Bilirubin level in the blood is high on its own. Ruling out other liver and blood diseases is sufficient for diagnosis.
Because there is no life-threatening risk or risk of organ damage, medication is not applied and not required. To avoid experiencing jaundice, patients are recommended to sleep regularly, not stay hungry for long periods, and consume plenty of water.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
