Unusual presentation of Gilbert disease with high levels of unconjugated bilirubin. Report of two cases

Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2016 Apr;108(4):228-30. doi: 10.17235/reed.2015.3719/2015.

Abstract

Gilbert's syndrome is a benign condition characterized by asymptomatic sporadic episodes of jaundice, due to a mild unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia caused by a deficiency in bilirubin glucoronidation. Under certain physiologic or pathologic events bilirubin level rises but according to literature it does not reach out more than 3 mg/dl. We report 2 cases of Gilbert's syndrome, genetically tested, which presented with bilirubin levels above 6 mg/dl without any trigger or coexisting condition. In conclusion, bilirubin levels higher than 6 mg/dL in Gilbert syndrome are rare, hemolytic and other metabolism diseases must be ruled out, and genetic testing may be necessary in some cases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Bilirubin / blood*
  • Genetic Testing
  • Gilbert Disease / blood*
  • Gilbert Disease / diagnosis*
  • Gilbert Disease / genetics
  • Humans
  • Hyperbilirubinemia / blood*
  • Hyperbilirubinemia / diagnosis*
  • Hyperbilirubinemia / genetics
  • Male
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Bilirubin