Two easy-to-perform diagnostic tests for Gilbert's syndrome.
Gilbert's syndrome is a benign, often familial condition characterized by asymptomatic jaundice. A patient suffering from Gilbert's syndrome may have hepatic activity of bilirubin-UDP-glucuronosyltransferase decreasing to levels around 30% of the normal. A clinical diagnosis of Gilbert's syndrome is usually followed in case of mild hyperbilirubinemia with a high fraction of unconjugated bilirubin, normal values of liver enzymes, and no overt signs of hemolysis. This article reported a 17-year-old male with only partial indication of indirect hyperbilirubinemia. Rifampicin test and caloric restriction test were applied to assure the patient had Gilbert's syndrome. These two non-invasive diagnostic means, with the benefit of avoiding hazardous liver biopsy, are gaining popularity in our routine Gilbert's syndrome examination.
Chen
Yen-Cheng
YC
Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, ROC.
Chiou
Tzeon-Jye
TJ
Yang
Muh-Hwa
MH
Yu
I-Ting
IT
D000293:Adolescent; D001663:Bilirubin / Q000097:blood; D002149:Energy Intake; D005215:Fasting; D005878:Gilbert Disease / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012293:Rifampin
D001663:Bilirubin; D012293:Rifampin