Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: Gilbert’s Syndrome

Clinical Pearl of the Day: Gilbert’s Syndrome

Gilbert's syndrome is a common, harmless liver condition in which the liver doesn't properly process bilirubin.

Insight

• Bilirubin is produced by the breakdown of red blood cells.
• Patients with Gilbert's syndrome—also known as constitutional hepatic dysfunction and familial nonhemolytic jaundice—are born with the condition because of an inherited gene mutation. They may not know they have Gilbert's syndrome until it's discovered by accident, such as when a blood test shows elevated bilirubin levels.
• Symptoms may include illness, eating a very low-calorie diet, dehydration, menstruation, stress, and lack of sleep.
• Risk factors include being a male and have a family history of the disease.
• Treatment: This disease does not have a specific treatment and over time the bilirubin levels revert back to normal.
• Eating healthy, diet, exercise, and proper rest can be a key to normalizing this disease.

Sources:

Gilbert's syndrome - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic

gilbert's disease - Google Search