Case Report: Persistent indirect hyperbilirubinemia caused by Gilbert syndrome misdiagnosed as drug-induced liver injury during tuberculosis treatment - Report - MDSpire

Case Report: Persistent indirect hyperbilirubinemia caused by Gilbert syndrome misdiagnosed as drug-induced liver injury during tuberculosis treatment

  • By

  • Ping Liu

  • Yuming Xu

  • July 16, 2026

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Clinical Report: Misinterpretation of Gilbert Syndrome as DILI in TB Therapy

Overview

This case study discusses the misinterpretation of Gilbert syndrome as drug-induced liver injury (DILI) during tuberculosis treatment, leading to unnecessary treatment interruptions. Genetic testing confirmed Gilbert syndrome.

Background

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a frequent complication of anti-tuberculosis therapy, often leading to treatment modifications. Isolated indirect hyperbilirubinemia with normal transaminase levels can indicate conditions like Gilbert syndrome, which may be overlooked in clinical practice.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data is presented in the article.

Key Findings

  • A 22-year-old woman with pulmonary tuberculosis experienced recurrent indirect hyperbilirubinemia with normal liver enzyme levels.
  • Her condition was misinterpreted as DILI, leading to multiple interruptions of anti-tuberculosis therapy.
  • Genetic testing revealed Gilbert syndrome.
  • Persistent indirect hyperbilirubinemia should prompt consideration of Gilbert syndrome rather than DILI.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should be aware that isolated indirect hyperbilirubinemia with normal transaminases may indicate Gilbert syndrome rather than DILI.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of considering alternative diagnoses like Gilbert syndrome in patients with atypical liver function test results during tuberculosis treatment.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Drug-induced liver injury as a strong independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in tuberculous meningitis: potential age-related effect modification suggested in a large lifespan cohort
  2. Infection, 2025 -- Tuberculosis of the Peritoneum
  3. Infection, 2020 -- Management of Paradoxical Inflammatory Responses in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients Using Corticosteroid Therapy
  4. Open Forum Infectious Diseases -- Thalidomide as a Complementary Treatment for Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome Associated with HIV and Tuberculosis: A Case Study Series
  5. ATS/CDC/IDSA Guidelines for Treatment of Drug-Susceptible Tuberculosis
  6. AASLD practice guidance on drug, herbal, and dietary supplement–induced liver injury - PMC
  7. ATS/CDC/IDSA Guidelines for Treatment of Drug-Susceptible Tuberculosis
  8. AASLD practice guidance on drug, herbal, and dietary supplement–induced liver injury - PMC

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