When a health check shows a raised bilirubin level, it is natural to wonder whether something is wrong with the liver. However, an elevated bilirubin level does not necessarily mean hepatitis or impaired liver function. One possible explanation is Gilbert syndrome.
Gilbert syndrome is an inherited condition that affects the way the body processes bilirubin. People with the condition have a reduced ability to process unconjugated bilirubin, causing the bilirubin level in the blood to rise from time to time.
Most people have no noticeable symptoms and only discover the condition incidentally through a blood test. Some may develop mild yellowing of the eyes or skin, particularly during fasting, dehydration, lack of sleep, illness or periods of stress.
Gilbert syndrome generally does not damage the liver and usually requires no specific treatment. However, there are many possible causes of raised bilirubin, including hepatitis, bile duct obstruction and haemolysis. Therefore, if an abnormal bilirubin level is detected for the first time, it should not automatically be assumed to be Gilbert syndrome. A doctor may need to review other liver function results, the patient's medical history and overall clinical condition before reaching a conclusion.
