Kernicterus
Jaundice, Neonatal
Hyperbilirubinemia, Neonatal
Jaundice
Ethnology
Phototherapy
Exchange Transfusion, Whole Blood
Crigler-Najjar Syndrome
Hyperbilirubinemia
Bilirubin adsorption therapy and subsequent liver transplantation cured severe bilirubin encephalopathy in a long-term survival patient with Crigler-Najjar disease type I. (1/48)
Crigler-Najjar disease (CN) type I is characterized by persistent unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia from birth. The male patient here was diagnosed with this disease as a neonate and had been treated by phototherapy. At age 16 he suddenly developed generalized convulsions, followed by impaired cognitive function. The serum level of bilirubin was extremely high (total bilirubin: 41.7 mg/dl) and there were no other detectable causes responsible for the metabolic encephalopathy. He received bilirubin adsorption therapy several times, and the bilirubin encephalopathy improved in response to the fall in the serum level of bilirubin. After this he underwent a successful liver transplantation in Australia, and recovery of his mental faculties was satisfactory. Within the subsequent 3 years epileptic abnormal discharges on the electroencephalogram disappeared. Phototherapy alone can not prevent the rise in the serum level of bilirubin in adolescent or adult patients with CN type I, therefore such patients tend to experience life-threatening bilirubin encephalopathy. To save patients with the acute onset type of bilirubin encephalopathy, sufficient bilirubin adsorption followed by liver transplantation appears to be the most recommended therapeutic approach. (+info)Kernicterus in full-term infants--United States, 1994-1998. (2/48)
Kernicterus is a preventable life-long neurologic syndrome caused by severe and untreated hyperbilirubinemia during the neonatal period. High levels of bilirubin are toxic to the developing newborn. In full-term infants, hyperbilirubinemia symptoms include severe jaundice, lethargy, and poorfeeding. Features of kernicterus may include choreoathetoid cerebral palsy, mental retardation, sensorineural hearing loss, and gaze paresis. Kernicterus is not a reportable condition in the United States, and its prevalence is unknown; however, a pilot registry at a Pennsylvania hospital documented 90 cases in 21 states from 1984 to June 2001 (L. Johnson, Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, personal communication, 2001). This report summarizes case histories of four full-term, healthy infants who developed kernicterus and underscores that to prevent kernicterus, newborns must be screened and promptly treated for hyperbilirubinemia. (+info)Bilirubin-albumin binding and free bilirubin. (3/48)
The relevance of plasma bilirubin-albumin binding and, in particular, the nonalbumin-bound or "free" bilirubin concentration to neonatal bilirubin toxicity is controversial. The pivotal role that "free" bilirubin played in the bilirubin toxicity that occurred following administration of sulfisoxazole or benzyl alcohol to jaundiced newborns, and the correlation of "free" bilirubin with bilirubin-induced changes in the auditory brainstem response are strong support for measuring "free" bilirubin when evaluating neonatal jaundice. Reliable methods for measuring "free bilirubin" are available, and population reference values are needed to help determine its proper clinical use. (+info)P-glycoprotein and bilirubin disposition. (4/48)
P-glycoprotein (Pgp), an ATP-dependent plasma membrane efflux pump, is expressed in abundance on the luminal aspect of brain capillary endothelial cells and astrocytes of the blood-brain barrier where it limits the passage of a variety of lipophilic substrates into the central nervous system. This review summarizes current evidence characterizing (1) unconjugated bilirubin as a potential substrate for Pgp and (2) the ontogeny of Pgp expression at the blood-brain barrier and apical brush border epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract, findings that may provide insights regarding the disposition of bilirubin in immature subjects. (+info)Bilirubin brain toxicity. (5/48)
Bilirubin is toxic in most biological systems tested. Several mechanisms have been suggested for this toxic effect, including inhibition of enzyme systems and inhibition of cell regulatory reactions (protein/peptide phosphorylation). The identity of the basic mechanism(s) has not been conclusively proven, but inhibition of peptide phosphorylation, perhaps mediated or modulated by lysine at the active site(s), appears to be compatible with many of the observations currently found in the literature. Bilirubin entry into brain is facilitated by drug displacement of bilirubin from its albumin binding, reduced albumin binding capacity, increased brain bloodflow, increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier, and other factors. The rate of bilirubin entry into brain, as well as the degree of retention and rate of clearance from brain, depends on which of these circumstances are operative. It is as yet unclear whether the mechanism responsible for increased brain bilirubin is important for toxicity. The mechanism for preferential localization of bilirubin to the basal ganglia in kernicterus is also not known. Bilirubin appears to distribute differentially to brain subcellular compartments and is oxidized in brain by an enzyme localized on the inner mitochondrial membrane. This enzyme is found both in neurons and in glia, but appears to be more active in the latter. The activity increases with postnatal age, and is subject to genetic variability in animals. The enzyme is cytochrome c-dependent. It is as yet not clear whether the activity of this enzyme serves a brain-protective effect in severe hyperbilirubinemia. (+info)Bilirubin and the auditory system. (6/48)
The auditory system is highly sensitive to bilirubin toxicity. Damage to the auditory nervous system includes auditory neuropathy or auditory dyssynchrony and auditory processing problems which may occur with or without deafness, hearing loss. Auditory dysfunction may occur in children with or without other signs of classical kernicterus. Bilirubin selectively damages the brainstem auditory nuclei, and may also damage the auditory nerve and spiral ganglion containing cell bodies of primary auditory neurons. The inner ear, thalamic and cortical auditory pathways appear to be spared. Noninvasive auditory neurophysiological tests such as the auditory brainstem response (ABR) or brainstem auditory response (BAER) play an important role in the early detection of bilirubin-induced auditory and central nervous system dysfunction in the neonate. (+info)Criteria for treatment of neonatal jaundice. (7/48)
Treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is usually based on the measurements of total serum bilirubin levels. Based on empirical data, it is generally recommended to start phototherapy at lower levels in low birth weight and very low birth weight infants than in term infants, but no general agreement exists on exact limits. Treatment criteria in preterm infants do not, however, have the same empirical backing as in term infants. The very low and extremely low birth weight infants are more susceptible to bilirubin toxicity. However, bilirubin may function as an antioxidant and enzyme inducer in these infants. Several other different approaches to establish treatment criteria have also been suggested, and a summary of these are presented and discussed. With the exception of measurement of unbound bilirubin, very few of these approaches have been validated in routine clinical settings. However, unbound bilirubin is at present mainly used also as a parameter to be evaluated in relation to total bilirubin values. The present treatment criteria result in a considerable overtreatment particularly of term infants. However, with a more relaxed attitude toward neonatal hyperbilirubinemia by health care professionals, kernicterus is again reported in term infants. Because the basic mechanisms of bilirubin toxicity as well as the relative significance of the maximum serum bilirubin level compared to the duration of hyperbilirubinemia are not known, individual assessment of a newborn infant's tolerance for hyperbilirubinemia is difficult. Major changes in the empirically developed criteria for treatment of hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn are therefore not justified in the near future. For term infants, the search for validated criteria for follow-up of jaundiced infants after discharge are therefore more important than revision of existing criteria for phototherapy. (+info)OBSERVATION OF CHILDREN'S TEETH AS A DIAGNOSTIC AID: II. DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFICULTIES REFLECTED IN ENAMEL AND PIGMENT CHANGES IN TEETH. (8/48)
Current interest in tetracycline staining of teeth and other enamel defects led to this review. In the handicapped child structural defects that were seen in the dental enamel may provide a most accurate etiological clue. The method of determining the time of insult is described. Comments are made on seven states in which enamel dysplasia may be frequently observed. A simple means of identifying tetracycline pigment incorporated in dental enamel is outlined. Bilirubin staining of teeth is also shown and warnings are given about the indelible nature of these pigments. (+info)Kernicterus is a severe form of brain damage caused by high levels of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that forms when red blood cells break down. It's most commonly seen in newborns, particularly those with a condition called ABO or Rh incompatibility, where the baby's blood type is different from the mother's. This can lead to an increased breakdown of the baby's red blood cells and a buildup of bilirubin.
In kernicterus, the bilirubin reaches such high levels that it becomes toxic and can damage the brain, particularly areas like the basal ganglia and brainstem. This can result in symptoms such as severe jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes), lethargy, high-pitched crying, poor feeding, and eventually seizures, hearing loss, and developmental delays.
Kernicterus is preventable with timely treatment, which may include phototherapy (using light to break down bilirubin) or exchange transfusion (replacing the baby's blood with fresh donor blood). If you suspect your newborn has jaundice or if their skin appears yellow, it's important to seek medical attention immediately.
Neonatal jaundice is a medical condition characterized by the yellowing of a newborn baby's skin and eyes due to an excess of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellowish substance produced by the normal breakdown of red blood cells, which are then processed by the liver and excreted through the bile. In neonatal jaundice, the liver is not yet fully developed and cannot process bilirubin quickly enough, leading to its accumulation in the body.
Neonatal jaundice typically appears within the first 2-4 days of life and can range from mild to severe. Mild cases may resolve on their own without treatment, while more severe cases may require medical intervention such as phototherapy or a blood transfusion. Risk factors for neonatal jaundice include prematurity, bruising during birth, blood type incompatibility between mother and baby, and certain genetic disorders.
It is important to monitor newborns closely for signs of jaundice and seek medical attention if concerned, as untreated neonatal jaundice can lead to serious complications such as brain damage or hearing loss.
Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a condition characterized by an excessively high level of bilirubin in the blood of newborn infants. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment produced by the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Normally, bilirubin is processed by the liver and excreted through the bile into the digestive system. However, in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, the liver may be unable to process bilirubin quickly enough, leading to its accumulation in the bloodstream. This can cause the skin and eyes of the newborn to appear yellow, a condition known as jaundice.
Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is relatively common and usually resolves on its own within a few days or weeks. However, if bilirubin levels become too high, they can cause brain damage (kernicterus) in severe cases. Treatment may include phototherapy to help break down bilirubin, exchange transfusions, or other interventions to support liver function and reduce bilirubin levels.
Jaundice is a medical condition characterized by the yellowing of the skin, sclera (whites of the eyes), and mucous membranes due to an excess of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellow-orange pigment produced when hemoglobin from red blood cells is broken down. Normally, bilirubin is processed by the liver and excreted through bile into the digestive system. However, if there's an issue with bilirubin metabolism or elimination, it can accumulate in the body, leading to jaundice.
Jaundice can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, such as liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis), gallbladder issues (gallstones, tumors), or blood disorders (hemolysis). It is essential to consult a healthcare professional if jaundice is observed, as it may indicate a severe health problem requiring prompt medical attention.
Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment that is produced by the liver when it breaks down old red blood cells. It is a normal byproduct of hemoglobin metabolism and is usually conjugated (made water-soluble) in the liver before being excreted through the bile into the digestive system. Elevated levels of bilirubin can cause jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes. Increased bilirubin levels may indicate liver disease or other medical conditions such as gallstones or hemolysis. It is also measured to assess liver function and to help diagnose various liver disorders.
Ethnology is a branch of anthropology that focuses on the systematic study of the cultural, biological, social, and linguistic diversity of human groups both past and present. It involves the comparison and analysis of different ethnic groups, their customs, beliefs, and practices, with the aim of understanding the underlying patterns and processes that shape human culture and society.
In a medical context, ethnology can be used to study the cultural factors that influence health outcomes and healthcare practices among different populations. This may include examining traditional healing systems, attitudes towards illness and disease, and the social determinants of health in different ethnic groups. The insights gained from such research can help inform the development of culturally sensitive healthcare policies and interventions that are tailored to the needs of diverse communities.
Phototherapy is a medical treatment that involves the use of light to manage or improve certain conditions. It can be delivered in various forms, such as natural light exposure or artificial light sources, including lasers, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), or fluorescent lamps. The wavelength and intensity of light are carefully controlled to achieve specific therapeutic effects.
Phototherapy is most commonly used for newborns with jaundice to help break down bilirubin in the skin, reducing its levels in the bloodstream. This type of phototherapy is called bilirubin lights or bili lights.
In dermatology, phototherapy can be applied to treat various skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, and acne. Narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) therapy, PUVA (psoralen plus UVA), and blue or red light therapies are some examples of dermatological phototherapies.
Phototherapy can also be used to alleviate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other mood disorders by exposing patients to bright artificial light, which helps regulate their circadian rhythms and improve their mood. This form of phototherapy is called light therapy or bright light therapy.
It's essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting any phototherapy treatment, as inappropriate use can lead to adverse effects.
An exchange transfusion of whole blood is a medical procedure in which a patient's blood is gradually replaced with donor whole blood. This procedure is typically performed in newborns or infants who have severe jaundice caused by excessive levels of bilirubin, a yellowish pigment that forms when hemoglobin from red blood cells breaks down.
During an exchange transfusion, the baby's blood is removed through a vein or artery and replaced with donor whole blood through another vein or artery. The process is repeated several times until a significant portion of the baby's blood has been exchanged with donor blood. This helps to reduce the levels of bilirubin in the baby's blood, which can help prevent or treat brain damage caused by excessive bilirubin.
Exchange transfusions are typically performed in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and require close monitoring by a team of healthcare professionals. The procedure carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. However, it can be a lifesaving treatment for newborns with severe jaundice who are at risk of developing serious complications.
Crigler-Najjar Syndrome is a rare inherited genetic disorder that affects the metabolism of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced when hemoglobin breaks down. This condition is characterized by high levels of unconjugated bilirubin in the blood, which can lead to jaundice, kernicterus, and neurological damage if left untreated.
There are two types of Crigler-Najjar Syndrome: Type I and Type II.
Type I is the more severe form, and it is caused by a mutation in the UGT1A1 gene, which encodes for an enzyme responsible for conjugating bilirubin. People with this type of Crigler-Najjar Syndrome have little to no functional enzyme activity, leading to very high levels of unconjugated bilirubin in the blood. This form is usually diagnosed in infancy and requires regular phototherapy or a liver transplant to prevent neurological damage.
Type II is a milder form of the disorder, caused by a mutation that results in reduced enzyme activity but not complete loss of function. People with this type of Crigler-Najjar Syndrome usually have milder symptoms and may not require regular phototherapy or a liver transplant, although they may still be at risk for neurological damage if their bilirubin levels become too high.
Both types of Crigler-Najjar Syndrome are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that an individual must inherit two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to develop the condition.
A newborn infant is a baby who is within the first 28 days of life. This period is also referred to as the neonatal period. Newborns require specialized care and attention due to their immature bodily systems and increased vulnerability to various health issues. They are closely monitored for signs of well-being, growth, and development during this critical time.
Hyperbilirubinemia is a medical condition characterized by an excessively high level of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment produced by the liver when it breaks down old red blood cells. Normally, bilirubin is conjugated (made water-soluble) in the liver and then excreted through the bile into the digestive system. However, if there is a problem with the liver's ability to process or excrete bilirubin, it can build up in the blood, leading to hyperbilirubinemia.
Hyperbilirubinemia can be classified as either unconjugated or conjugated, depending on whether the bilirubin is in its direct (conjugated) or indirect (unconjugated) form. Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia can occur due to increased production of bilirubin (such as in hemolytic anemia), decreased uptake of bilirubin by the liver, or impaired conjugation of bilirubin in the liver. Conjugated hyperbilirubinemia, on the other hand, is usually caused by a problem with the excretion of conjugated bilirubin into the bile, such as in cholestatic liver diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Symptoms of hyperbilirubinemia can include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, light-colored stools, itching, and fatigue. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the condition and may involve medications, dietary changes, or surgery.
An encyclopedia is a comprehensive reference work containing articles on various topics, usually arranged in alphabetical order. In the context of medicine, a medical encyclopedia is a collection of articles that provide information about a wide range of medical topics, including diseases and conditions, treatments, tests, procedures, and anatomy and physiology. Medical encyclopedias may be published in print or electronic formats and are often used as a starting point for researching medical topics. They can provide reliable and accurate information on medical subjects, making them useful resources for healthcare professionals, students, and patients alike. Some well-known examples of medical encyclopedias include the Merck Manual and the Stedman's Medical Dictionary.
Kernicterus
Birth defect
Bili light
Hemolytic jaundice
Bilirubin glucuronide
Neonatal jaundice
Athetosis
Hyperbilirubinemia in adults
Glossary of medicine
Moro reflex
Gilbert's syndrome
John Fielding Crigler
Jaundice
Equalize Health
Hemolytic disease of the newborn (ABO)
William F. Windle
Bilirubin
Crigler-Najjar syndrome
Hemolytic disease of the newborn (anti-Kell)
Hemolytic disease of the newborn
Hemolytic disease of the newborn (anti-RhE)
Hemolytic disease of the newborn (anti-Rhc)
Lucey-Driscoll syndrome
Sulfadiazine
Johannes Orth
Christian Georg Schmorl
Preterm birth
Divicine
Opisthotonus
Parinaud's syndrome
Kernicterus - Wikipedia
Learn about Jaundice and Kernicterus | CDC
Kernicterus: Symptoms, tests, and treatments
Kernicterus: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
Kernicterus | Archives of Disease in Childhood
Kernicterus: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
Neonatology : Kernicterus : Kernicterus Introduction : Diseases and Conditions | Pediatric Oncall
NICU-PEDIA - Kernicterus
Kernicterus Differential Diagnoses
Kernicterus: Background, Pathophysiology, Epidemiology
Kernicterus: Jacob's Story | pic-K
Kernicterus - Pediatrics - MSD Manual Professional Edition
Kernicterus Lawsuit June 2023 - Select Justice
Can You File a Claim if Your Baby is Injured Because of Kernicterus?
Maternal Instruction About Jaundice and the Incidence of Acute Bilirubin Encephalopathy in Nigeria
Digestive System: MedlinePlus
875. Causes of direct hyperbilirubinemia / Toxic bili level in infant - risk for kernicterus / Kernicterus pathophys, s/sx -...
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Birth Injury Information | Bachus & Schanker Colorado Law
High Bilirubin Levels: Meaning of Elevated Bilirubin
Hyperbilirubinemia in the Newborn | University Hospitals
Neonatal Jaundice: Knowledge and Practices of Healthcare Providers and Trainees in Southwest Nigeria in: The American Journal...
Causes and Risk Factors of Cerebral Palsy | CDC
Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency: Practice Essentials, Pathophysiology, Etiology
Qualifying Conditions
PEDIATRIC NEURORADIOLOGY | American Journal of Neuroradiology
Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia - Pediatrics - Merck Manuals Professional Edition
Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN) | Cedars-Sinai
BERBERINE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews
Diabetes Mellitus and Pregnancy: Practice Essentials, Gestational Diabetes, Maternal-Fetal Metabolism in Normal Pregnancy
Jaundice and Kernicterus3
- Though mild jaundice is very common in newborns, some factors are known to increase the risk of severe jaundice and kernicterus significantly. (medicalnewstoday.com)
- Infants are also more prone to severe jaundice and kernicterus because their livers are not fully developed and are less capable of removing bilirubin from the blood. (medicalnewstoday.com)
- Jaundice and kernicterus ― Jaundice is the yellow color seen in the skin of many newborns. (cdc.gov)
Infants with hyperbilirubinemia2
- Evaluation of oxidant and antioxidant status in infants with hyperbilirubinemia and kernicterus. (medscape.com)
- The use of phototherapy has increased in recent years, perhaps because of better identification of infants with hyperbilirubinemia, fear of kernicterus, the general assumption that phototherapy is safe, and the use of light therapy units at home. (medscape.com)
Hyperbilirubinemia and kernicterus3
- These practical guidelines can be tailored for effective use in the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia and kernicterus throughout the world. (pediatriconcall.com)
- Some researchers believe the inclusion of the inherited forms of newborn hemolytic disease into the newborn metabolic screen may assist in identifying a newborn at risk for hyperbilirubinemia and kernicterus, such as glucose- 6- phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. (pediatriconcall.com)
- hyperbilirubinemia can prevent extreme hyperbilirubinemia and kernicterus. (pediatriconcall.com)
Severe16
- Kernicterus is brain damage caused by severe, untreated jaundice or high blood levels of a substance called bilirubin. (medicalnewstoday.com)
- Currently, kernicterus refers specifically to severe damage to the nervous system caused by jaundice. (medicalnewstoday.com)
- However, all types of damage related to severe jaundice are also considered to be forms or stages of kernicterus. (medicalnewstoday.com)
- Kernicterus develops from severe, untreated jaundice. (medicalnewstoday.com)
- People should seek immediate medical attention any time they suspect symptoms of severe jaundice or kernicterus. (medicalnewstoday.com)
- Though many of these conditions can increase a baby's risk for severe jaundice, prompt treatment of high bilirubin levels can almost always prevent kernicterus. (medicalnewstoday.com)
- It is unknown whether minor degrees of kernicterus can cause less severe neurologic impairment (eg, perceptual-motor problems, learning disorders). (msdmanuals.com)
- Kernicterus is a rare brain condition caused by severe jaundice that has been left untreated. (selectjustice.com)
- However, if left untreated, severe jaundice can develop into kernicterus, which is a serious type of brain damage. (selectjustice.com)
- If either level is high, then the baby (or adult) is at risk of developing severe jaundice and, ultimately, kernicterus. (selectjustice.com)
- When severe jaundice goes untreated for too long, it can cause a condition called kernicterus. (cdc.gov)
- It can cause kernicterus, a rare type of brain damage that can occur in newborns who have severe jaundice . (webmd.com)
- When unmonitored or untreated, neonatal jaundice can lead to severe neurotoxicity, including kernicterus and other associated morbidities. (newswise.com)
- Most questions were designed severe neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia using a "yes/no" answer format, with a can lead to irreversible brain damage and Newborns, 6 days of age or older, ad- possibility to provide single or multiple- kernicterus [3]. (who.int)
- Phototherapy has long been standard treatment for hyperbilirubinemia of newborns, which can cause deafness and brain damage ( kernicterus ) when severe and untreated. (medscape.com)
- Severe birth Asphyxia was identified as the commonest cause of death in the neonatal period followed by birth trauma, kernicterus and congenital heart diseases. (who.int)
Newborns3
- As such, some parents with newborns who have contracted kernicterus are pursuing lawsuits for negligence and medical malpractice against the people and institutions tasked with caring for their infants. (selectjustice.com)
- Kernicterus is caused in adults for the same reasons as newborns - dangerously high bilirubin levels. (selectjustice.com)
- Kernicterus is now rarely seen in the United States due to routine bilirubin screening of all newborns. (healthline.com)
Cerebral palsy3
- We worried endlessly about cerebral palsy - which is another symptom of Kernicterus . (pic-k.org)
- Kernicterus can lead to a wide range of health problems, ranging from hearing loss to cerebral palsy. (selectjustice.com)
- Kernicterus can cause brain damage that leads to hearing loss, vision problems, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities. (apmlawyers.com)
Acute3
- In industrialized countries, only 0.4 to 2.7 of every 100, 000 children develop kernicterus or a condition called acute bilirubin encephalopathy. (medicalnewstoday.com)
- A pilot registry for acute and chronic kernicterus in term and near-term infants. (medscape.com)
- Kernicterus is brain damage caused by unconjugated bilirubin deposition in basal ganglia and brain stem nuclei, caused by either acute or chronic hyperbilirubinemia. (merckmanuals.com)
Newborn3
- Bilirubin is normally removed by the liver - a mother's liver will remove a baby's bilirubin during pregnancy - but newborn babies' livers are sometimes not developed enough to this effectively, leading to a buildup of bilirubin in the child's blood, and potentially causing kernicterus if left untreated. (selectjustice.com)
- If these symptoms are ignored in a newborn baby, and the baby's jaundice is not treated, the child will almost certainly develop kernicterus. (apmlawyers.com)
- Kernicterus, a type of brain damage , has developed in newborn infants exposed to berberine. (webmd.com)
Bilirubin levels2
- Kernicterus occurs when bilirubin levels in the blood become so high that it crosses the blood-brain barrier and damages the brain tissue. (medicalnewstoday.com)
- However, because some babies develop kernicterus with relatively modest bilirubin levels, no known absolute level of bilirubin below which the infant is completely safe is recognized. (pediatriconcall.com)
1990s3
- Conventional wisdom characterizes kernicterus as prevalent in the 1950s and 1960s, virtually eradicated in the 1970s and 1980s, only to reappear during the 1990s. (medscape.com)
- Because of a resurgence of kernicterus during the 1990s, in the United States, studies suggested that hospital discharge of term infants at 24-48 hours of life was a factor. (pediatriconcall.com)
- Evidence suggests there was not a "resurgence" of kernicterus in the 1990s. (medscape.com)
Prevention2
- Prevention of hyperbilirubinemia is the best way to minimize the incidence of kernicterus. (pediatriconcall.com)
- System-based approach to management of neonatal jaundice and prevention of kernicterus. (medscape.com)
Occurs3
- However, remembering that physiologic hyperbilirubinemia is a diagnosis of exclusion is important, and kernicterus, when it occurs, is devastating. (medscape.com)
- Kernicterus is a serious medical condition that occurs in infants when jaundice has gone untreated for too long. (apmlawyers.com)
- Although it is now rare, kernicterus still occurs and can nearly always be prevented. (merckmanuals.com)
Neurologic2
- Whereas it is undeniable that kernicterus remains a cause of major neurologic morbidity in the infant population, population studies of children born in California between 1988 and 1997 suggest the prevalence of kernicterus has remained virtually unchanged since 1980. (medscape.com)
- Gkoltsiou K, Tzoufi M, Counsell S, Rutherford M, Cowan F. Serial brain MRI and ultrasound findings: relation to gestational age, bilirubin level, neonatal neurologic status and neurodevelopmental outcome in infants at risk of kernicterus. (medscape.com)
Develops1
- But kernicterus, once it develops, is incurable. (apmlawyers.com)
Neonatal period1
- In the vast majority of cases, kernicterus is associated with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia during the neonatal period. (wikipedia.org)
Lethargy1
- Early symptoms of kernicterus in term infants are lethargy, poor feeding, and vomiting. (msdmanuals.com)
Diagnosis3
- Historically, the term kernicterus refers to an anatomic diagnosis made at autopsy based on a characteristic pattern of staining found in babies who had marked hyperbilirubinemia before they died. (pediatriconcall.com)
- There is no reliable test to determine the presence of kernicterus, and the diagnosis is made presumptively. (msdmanuals.com)
- A definite diagnosis of kernicterus can be made only by autopsy. (msdmanuals.com)
Stages1
- Broadly speaking, there are three main stages of kernicterus. (selectjustice.com)
Infant1
- What exactly is kernicterus, and how does this medical condition develop in an infant? (apmlawyers.com)
Phototherapy2
- Theoretically, most cases of kernicterus may be completely prevented by initiation of phototherapy in every baby shortly after birth. (medscape.com)
- Clinical reports of kernicterus in the absence of profound hyperbilirubinemia, coupled with the lack of definitive standards of care for the initiation of phototherapy, further complicate this exposure. (medscape.com)
Medical malpractice4
- If you believe that you or a loved one developed Kernicterus due to negligence and medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation. (selectjustice.com)
- If your child is suffering with kernicterus, you should make arrangements to speak with a Halifax medical malpractice lawye r to discuss your concerns - and learn about your babies legal rights and options. (apmlawyers.com)
- What are your rights as a parent if medical malpractice is the reason your child developed kernicterus? (apmlawyers.com)
- If you will continue reading this brief discussion of kernicterus, medical malpractice, and your family's rights, these questions will be answered, but if kernicterus has struck your own family, you'll need the personalized legal advice that a Halifax medical malpractice lawyer will provide. (apmlawyers.com)
Babies2
- In a pilot study registry monitoring babies with kernicterus, more than 95% of the cases were discharged from the hospital in less than 72 hours. (pediatriconcall.com)
- Note the above is not an exhaustive list of kernicterus symptoms in babies or adults. (selectjustice.com)
Adults2
- Cases of kernicterus involving adults are considered very rare, and only a few have been reported. (medicalnewstoday.com)
- Kernicterus is very rare in adults , although it can occur. (selectjustice.com)
Brain7
- Kernicterus is a bilirubin-induced brain dysfunction. (wikipedia.org)
- Kernicterus is usually considered far more likely to impact infants because their blood-brain barrier is not fully developed. (medicalnewstoday.com)
- [ 1 ] The term kernicterus literally means "yellow kern," with kern indicating the most commonly afflicted region of the brain (ie, the nuclear region). (medscape.com)
- Improved brain imaging modalities, such as MRI and ultrasonography, may be emerging as instrumental tools to help clarify the complex picture of kernicterus in contrast with asymptomatic bilirubin staining of brain tissues. (medscape.com)
- Kernicterus is brain damage caused by unconjugated bilirubin deposition in basal ganglia and brain stem nuclei. (msdmanuals.com)
- Kernicterus is a form of brain damage that infants can suffer that may be caused if an infant's doctor is negligent. (apmlawyers.com)
- In most cases, medical providers treat jaundice before kernicterus or brain damage becomes a concern. (apmlawyers.com)
Cases2
- In rare cases, kernicterus is fatal. (apmlawyers.com)
- There is currently a gap in point of care testing devices for G6PD, a deficiency that leads to hyperbilirubinemia and approximately 21% of kernicterus cases. (newswise.com)
Sulfonamides1
- Remember, sulfonamides displace bilirubin off its albumin binding site, thus worsening kernicterus. (infantrisk.com)
Disease1
- Moreover, some of the common symptoms of kernicterus may indicate another illness or disease. (selectjustice.com)
Risk2
- When hyperbilirubinemia increases past a mild level, it leads to jaundice, raising the risk of progressing to kernicterus. (wikipedia.org)
- In this article, we examine the symptoms of kernicterus, along with its causes and risk factors. (medicalnewstoday.com)
Concentration1
- Kernicterus results from an increased concentration of indirect, or unconjugated, bilirubin. (medscape.com)
Term2
- Hervieux first described the condition in 1847, and Schmorl first used the term kernicterus as early as 1903. (medscape.com)
- Ebbesen F. Recurrence of kernicterus in term and near-term infants in Denmark. (medscape.com)
Develop1
- How Does Kernicterus Develop? (apmlawyers.com)
Lead2
- It is important to understand that jaundice, which can lead to kernicterus, is easily treated, as long as it is diagnosed in a timely manner. (apmlawyers.com)
- As we have indicated above, jaundice, which can lead to kernicterus, is easily treated. (apmlawyers.com)
Early1
- It is critical that doctors (and parents) be aware of the early initial symptoms of kernicterus. (apmlawyers.com)
Yellow1
- The main signs of kernicterus are linked to the signs of jaundice, i.e., yellow or orange discoloring of the skin and eyes. (selectjustice.com)
Damage1
- Kernicterus can also damage the child's spinal cord. (selectjustice.com)