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Gilbert syndrome is the most common inherited cause of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia.  This is a genetic condition, which is associated with intermittent levels of jaundice, in the absence of any sort of underlying chronic liver disease. The elevated bilirubin level is mild and generally less than a value of 6 mg/dL. Of interest, patients with Gilbert syndrome may have on occasion, normal bilirubin levels.

Gilbert syndrome and its associated rise in bilirubin may be precipitated by viral illnesses, excessive exercise, stress, starvation, dehydration, and a woman’s menstrual period.  Vague abdominal discomfort may be reported by patients as well as mild fatigue with no clear etiology.  No treatment is required for Gilbert syndrome.  Gilbert syndrome does not lead to more advanced liver disease, cirrhosis, cancer, or liver failure.

Overall, the rate of Gilbert syndrome in the United States is roughly 3%-7% of the population.  As mentioned above, this is a completely benign condition and is not associated with any increased mortality.  No specific race is more at risk for Gilbert syndrome and it predominantly occurs in men.

Obesity and Fatty Liver Disease

Obesity, and all of its related complications, is more serious than most adults in America believe. More than one-third (34.9% or 78.6 million) of U.S. adults are obese. Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and certain types of cancer, are some of the leading causes of preventable death. We are seeing an increase in the number of young children and adolescents developing obesity, and all of the related complications.

The cost of obesity is staggering, with annual medical cost of obesity exceeding $147 billion in 2008 U.S. dollars. The medical costs for people who are obese were $1,429 higher than those of normal weight.

Dr. Galati and the Liver Specialists of Texas team are dedicated to evaluate, treat, and manage all aspects of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD and NASH), including the complication of cirrhosis and liver failure. Developing a customized plan of care for each patient they see is their objective.

Liver Transplant Resources

Dr. Galati has been involved in Liver Transplantation since 1989. As Medical Director for the Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation at Houston Methodist Hospital, Dr. Galati has cared for thousands of patients with advanced liver disease. In those with the most severe form of advanced liver disease and cirrhosis, liver transplantation is a life-saving surgery. For more information on liver transplantation, click here.

Indications for liver transplant include:

Online LIVER Second Opinion

  • 1

    From the comfort of your home, without the need to spend additional money on travel, lodging, and food, receive and expert second opinion from the expert physicians at Liver Specialists of Texas

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    There are five steps in the process of requesting a second opinion. We anticipate the steps will take you about 30-65 minutes to complete.

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    Have your medical records or those of your loved one on hand as you fill out the medical history questionnaire portion of the online process. The medical history questionnaire is detailed so having medical records to quickly reference will help make the process more efficient.

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    To start the process of an Online Liver Second Opinion, please fill out the initial contact form and fax back to our office. A representative from our office will call you for additional details.