[Gilbert's syndrome in children--our experience]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Hepatology
• Clinical Genetics

Context:

• Gilbert's syndrome is the most common hereditary disorder of bilirubin metabolism, affecting 2-7% of the general population.
• It is characterized by mild, benign unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia.

Purpose:

• To analyze the circumstances of disclosure, age at onset, and sex distribution of Gilbert's syndrome in children.
• To understand the diagnostic criteria and presentation of Gilbert's syndrome in pediatric patients.

Summary:

• The study identified 58 children with Gilbert's syndrome, with a 2.22:1 male-to-female ratio.
• Diagnosis occurred predominantly during puberty (ages 12-18), often incidentally during routine pediatric exams, or when investigating abdominal pain and fever.
• While unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia levels were generally higher in boys, a statistically significant difference compared to girls was observed only after a hypocaloric diet in the 16-18 age group.

Impact:

• Provides insights into the pediatric presentation of Gilbert's syndrome, highlighting its prevalence in males and its manifestation during puberty.
• Emphasizes the importance of considering Gilbert's syndrome in the differential diagnosis of recurrent abdominal pain and fever in children.
• Contributes to understanding the nuances of bilirubin metabolism and its hereditary disorders in pediatric populations.