Health Library

Gilbert's Syndrome

What Causes Gilbert's Syndrome?

Gilbert's syndrome is caused by a gene that can be passed down in families. People who have this condition were born with it.

Gilbert's Syndrome Symptoms

Most people do not have symptoms. Sometimes people will have jaundice. Jaundice is when the skin or the whites of the eyes turn yellow. Jaundice most often occurs when the body is stressed, like when you have a fever, hard exercise, or not eating/drinking enough.

Newborn babies are at risk for jaundice already. Gilbert's Syndrome can cause newborn babies to have jaundice for longer than other babies.

Diagnosing Gilbert's Syndrome

If your child has jaundice, your doctor will first check the bilirubin level. If the bilirubin level is high, your doctor may run other blood tests to make sure it isn’t from a different condition. If all the other tests are normal, it is likely your child has Gilbert's Syndrome. There is a genetic blood test they can do, but it might not be needed.

Gilbert's Syndrome’s Treatment

There is no special treatment for Gilbert's Syndrome. Most of the time, the jaundice doesn’t make people sick. However, it is important to tell all your child’s doctors they have it. Some medicines might have worse side effects in people with Gilbert's Syndrome, so it is important to tell your doctor about all medicines they take including supplements.

It is safe to breastfeed a child with Gilbert's Syndrome, even if it makes their jaundice last longer. There are no food restrictions with this condition.

Gilbert's Syndrome’s Prognosis

This is a safe condition that does not cause any significant harm throughout one’s life.