Dubin-Johnson syndrome is inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder. The transport of bilirubin from the liver into the biliary system is abnormal and the bilirubin accumulates in the liver.

Affected people have life-long low-grade jaundice which may be aggravated by alcohol, pregnancy, infection, and other environmental factors.

• mild jaundice, may not appear until puberty or adulthood

Tests which may be abnormal include:

• chem-20 to check bilirubin levels
• blood chemistry (may show sulfobromophthalein retention)
• Liver biopsy

Complications are unusual but may include:

• severe jaundice
• reduced liver function

Call your health care provider if:

• jaundice is severe
• jaundice progressively worsens
• abdominal pain or other symptoms are also present (there may be another disorder causing the jaundice)