Gilbert's Syndrome

The first thing we need is a basic understanding of Gilbert's Syndrome. It's French and pronounced like Joe bears. I hope to give you an explanation as well as a personal glimpse into what it is like to have it. As I said on the index page I will not be giving credit here as that would be impossible. I have collected this information over the years from various sources, source types, and from personal experience as well.

DEFINITION
Gilbert's Syndrome is a relatively common, congenital liver disorder which affects the way bilirubin is processed thereby causing jaundice. Approximately 5% of the population has it and most of them are men. Also called icterus intermittens juvenalis, low-grade chronic hyperbilirubenemia, familial non-hemolytic non-obstructive jaundice, constitutional liver dysfunction, and inconjugated benign bilirubinemia, it is characterized by a mild fluctuating increase in serum bilirubin, which is a yellow pigment excreted by the liver into the bile.

ETIOLOGY
The onset of Gilbert's Syndrome is usually seen during young adulthood, around 20 - 30. Simply put, it is caused by a buildup of bilirubin, which is produced by the red pigment of red blood cells [RBC's], and is carried to the liver by the bloodstream. Bilirubin is then processed and changed in the liver. It is then excreted into bile and passed out of the body after further chemical changes in the intestines. Small amounts of bilirubin are normally seen in the blood. However, when there is excessive breakdown of RBC or interference with bile excretion, the amount is increased and that is what may produce jaundice. Jaundice is aggravated by excretion, stress, fasting, and infections. The condition is usually benign.

SYMPTOMS
Gilbert's Syndrome rarely has any significant symptoms but the following may become evident.

Mild jaundice may appear causing the sclera to become yellow
Fatigue
Nausea
Upper right abdominal pain

TREATMENT
Gilbert's Syndrome usually does not require any treatment and will not interfere with a normal lifestyle. However, Phenobarbital is used at times to reduce the bilirubin level and relieve the jaundice in those who become jaundiced.

MY POINT of VIEW
Living with Gilbert's Syndrome has really been basically inconsequential for me. About the only thing it has ever done is put me through a small ordeal with my doctors convincing them I wasn't anything more than a social drinker. It seems that alcoholism and Gilbert's Syndrome look the same through blood work.

Since, there is no problem and/or treatment, I will not put annual updates unless there is a significant change.

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You are listening to Memories from the musical Cats, written by
Andrew Lloyd Webber and T.S. Eliot. I felt this song was a perfect selection
for this site because of the affiliation I feel with Grizabella. Although for her,
it was age and not health issues that changed her, neither of us are who we
were before, on the outside, and it can affect how we feel on the inside.

Disclaimer:
The author of this page does not promote, support, or recommend any
particular treatment or medication for any medical condition. The opinions
expressed in stories or links are the responsibility of their authors.
No treatment should be undertaken without the supervision of a physician.