Gilbert Syndrome
Gilbert syndrome is an inherited liver condition that causes bilirubin to build up in the blood. Bilirubin is formed through the normal bodily process of breaking down old blood cells. With Gilbert syndrome, bilirubin isn’t removed from the body after this process.
Gilbert syndrome is very common and usually does not cause health problems.
Symptoms
Children with Gilbert syndrome don’t usually have any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can be triggered by stress, fever, dehydration, not eating or strenuous exercise. Older girls with this condition may have symptoms when they are menstruating.
The main symptom of Gilbert syndrome is jaundice — a yellowish tinge to the skin and the whites of the eyes. Jaundice is common in newborns, and those with Gilbert syndrome may have it longer or more severely than other babies.
Gilbert syndrome can also cause:
Fatigue
Mild abdominal pain
Weakness
Diagnosis
Gilbert syndrome is usually diagnosed after puberty, when changes in sex hormones cause bilirubin levels in the blood to rise. It’s often found when doctors do a blood test for another reason.
If your child or teen has symptoms of Gilbert syndrome, your pediatric gastroenterologist at Orlando Health Children's Arnold Palmer Hospital Center for Digestive Diseases and Nutrition will ask when their symptoms occur and whether any close family members have a liver condition. A simple blood test can diagnose Gilbert syndrome. Genetic testing can also be done, but it usually isn’t needed.
Treatments
While Gilbert syndrome is a lifelong condition, it doesn’t require treatment. Jaundice comes and goes on its own and doesn’t usually cause health problems. To help your child avoid symptoms, encourage them to get enough sleep, drink plenty of fluids, and eat regular, nutritious meals.
If your child has jaundice or abdominal pain that doesn’t go away, you should call your doctor. You also should tell all your healthcare providers that your child has Gilbert syndrome. People with this condition can have increased side effects from certain medicines, especially acetaminophen (Tylenol) and other drugs that are broken down in the liver. Check with your child’s doctor before giving them any new medications.
Next Steps
When your child has jaundice, you want answers. While Gilbert syndrome is not a serious illness, you still need to trust your doctors and nurses to feel confident in your child’s care. At Orlando Health Children's Arnold Palmer Hospital Center for Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, you are assured of an accurate diagnosis and personalized care for your infant, child or teen.
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