Advances in Laboratory Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Gilbert Disease: A Comprehensive Review
Nkiruka R Ukibe1, Chioma Theresa Onwe1, C.E. Onah1 Ezinne G. Ukibe2, Blessing C. Ukibe2, Victory Ezennia Ukibe3 and *Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu4
1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, P. M. B 5025, Anambra State, Nigeria.
2Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, P. M. B 5025, Anambra State, Nigeria.
3Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, P. M. B 5025, Anambra State, Nigeria.
4Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Kampala International University, Uganda.
*Corresponding author: Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Kampala International University, Uganda, emmanuelobeagu@yahoo.com, ORCID: 0000-0002-4538-0161
ABSTRACT
Gilbert’s syndrome (GS) is an extensively mild condition characterized by periods of elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. The bilirubin is an orange yellowish tinted molecule which is produced when red blood cells are broken down and this substance is eliminated from the body only after it undergoes bio-transformation in the liver which converts unconjugated bilirubin to conjugated bilirubin. When the level of unconjugated bilirubin increases beyond a determined point, the bilirubin pigment starts to discolour the cornea of the eyes (making them to appear light yellow) and with higher levels the skin may also turn to yellow (jaundice). Gilbert’s syndrome also known as constitutional hepatic dysfunction and familial non haemolytic jaundice. People with Gilbert’s syndrome have an inherited abnormality that causes reduced production of an enzyme involved in processing of bilirubin. A presumptive diagnosis of Gilbert’s syndrome is made when unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia is noted on several occasions.
Keywords: Gilbert’s syndrome, bilirubin, jaundice.
CITE AS: Nkiruka R Ukibe, Chioma Theresa Onwe, C.E. Onah, Ezinne G. Ukibe, Blessing C. Ukibe, Victory Ezennia Ukibe and Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu (2024). Advances in Laboratory Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Gilbert Disease: A Comprehensive Review. IAA Journal of Scientific Research 11(1):1-6. https://doi.org/10.59298/IAAJSR/2024/112.5288