Gilbert's syndrome

Alternative names:

constitutional liver dysfunction; familial non hemolytic non obstructive jaundice; icterus intermittens juvenilis; low-grade chronic hyperbilirubinemia; unconjugated benign bilirubinemia

Definition:

A multifactorial inherited disorder that affects the way bilirubin is processed by the liver and causes jaundice.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Gilbert's disease is common, affecting about 2% of the population. The most significant symptom of this condition is jaundice. Affected individuals usually have no jaundice. However, jaundice appears under conditions of exertion, stress, fasting, and infections. The condition is usually benign.