What problems can Gilbert’s syndrome cause?

Gilbert’s syndrome is an inherited condition often discovered by accident, such as when someone has a blood test. It occurs due to a defect in the processing of bilirubin by the liver. The syndrome may cause the skin and the whites of the eyes to have a yellow tinge due to the build-up of bilirubin. Gilbert’s syndrome is typically harmless and treatment isn’t required.

What problems can Gilbert’s syndrome cause?

Gilbert’s syndrome is characterized by the liver’s inability to process the yellowish-brown pigment in bile (bilirubin). Too much bilirubin can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). Gilbert’s syndrome is considered harmless and typically doesn’t need medical treatment.

A healthy UGT1A1 gene makes liver enzymes that break down bilirubin and remove it from the body. People with a mutated UGT1A1 gene only make about 30% of the enzymes they need. As a result, bilirubin doesn’t move into bile the way it should. The excess bilirubin builds up in blood.