Gilbert's disease affects up to 10% of some Caucasian populations. The condition is usually benign .
Symptoms:
Mild jaundice (yellowing of skin and whites of eyes)
Fatigue
Note: Jaundice typically appears during times of exertion, stress, not eating, and infection.
Signs and tests:
An indirect bilirubin blood test shows changes consistent with Gilbert's disease.
Treatment:
Usually no treatment is necessary. Treatment should focus on the underlying condition that caused the jaundice.
Support Groups:
Expectations (prognosis):
Jaundice may come and go throughout the patient's life, but usually causes no health problems.
Complications:
There are usually no complications.
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if you have jaundice or persistent abdominal pain .
Prevention:
There is no proven prevention.
Review Date: 5/3/2007 Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
