QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
A friend of mine is suffering from Gilbert’s syndrome, and I therefore went on the Internet to give it a closer scrutiny. I was surprised to find nothing. Oh yes, the name Gilbert’s syndrome was found, but not WHAT IT IS, HOW YOU GET IT and HOW TO CURE IT. apparently my friend has suffered on and off for years and I have absolutely no idea what it is. Could you elaborate, please.
From Oslo Norway.
ANSWER:
Gilbert’s syndrome is a totally benign condition where the body de-emphasizes breaking down the chemical bilirubin in the blood. It occurs during infections and significant stress. It causes an increase in “unconjugated bilirubin” in the blood. Because of this rise in unconjugated bilirubin, the person can appear yellow (jaundiced). It is not a dangerous condition and has no consequences, except – that without knowing the diagnosis – the patient, the patient’s loved ones, and the physicians can be concerned about the jaundice.