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Definition Return to top
Dubin-Johnson syndrome is an inherited disorder characterized by mild jaundice throughout life.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Dubin-Johnson syndrome is a very rare autosomal recessive disorder, which means that in order to inherit the condition, a child must get a copy of the defective gene from both parents.
The transport of bilirubin from the liver is dysfunctional in people with this condition. Bilirubrin is a product of the liver's metabolism of worn-out red blood cells and is normally sent into the digestive system. When bilirubin is not properly processed, it builds up in the bloodstream and causes the skin and the whites of the eyes take on a yellow tinge. Severely high levels can damage the brain and other organs.
People with Dubin-Johnson syndrome have life-long low-grade jaundice that may be aggravated by alcohol, pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, infection, and other environmental factors that affect the liver.
Symptoms Return to top
Mild jaundice that may not appear until puberty or adulthood is the only symptom of Dubin-Johnson syndrome.
Signs and tests Return to top
Tests that may be abnormal include:
Treatment Return to top
No specific treatment is required.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The prognosis for this condition is very positive. Dubin-Johnson syndrome generally does not shorten the patient's life span.Complications Return to top
Complications are unusual but may include the following:
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if any of the following occurs:
Prevention Return to top
Genetic counseling may be valuable for prospective parents with a family history of Dubin-Johnson syndrome. Update Date: 1/13/2003 Updated by: Andrew J. Muir, M.D., M.H.S., Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |