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Complications and Prognosis of Gilbert's Syndrome
Enzyme deficiency in Gilbert’s syndrome may lead to increased side effects of certain drugs. Prognosis is excellent.
Complications
The jaundice produced by Gilbert’s syndrome is mild. However, extremely elevated bilirubin levels may require drugs like phenobarbital.
The enzyme which is abnormal in Gilbert’s syndrome is one that plays a role in clearing a number of medications in the body. Hence its deficiency (as in Gilbert’s syndrome) may lead to increased side effects of certain drugs like:
- Irinotecan, a cancer chemotherapy drug - accumulation of the drug cause severe diarrhoea
- Indinavir: drug used in people with HIV infection
Prognosis
Prognosis (outlook) is excellent.
References:
- Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine 18th Edition
- The Merck Manual
- Cecil Medicine 24th Edition
A very nice article to explain in laymans terms what Gilbert syndrome means. Wish you all could post some downloadable stuff on the same topic.