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Kernicterus
Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Kernicterusis not the name you expected.
Synonyms
- Bilirubin Encephalopathy
Disorder Subdivisions
- None
General Discussion
Kernicterus is a rare neurological disorder characterized by excessive levels of bilirubin in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia) during infancy. Bilirubin is an orange-yellow bile pigment that is a byproduct of the natural breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells (hemolysis). Toxic levels of bilirubin may accumulate in the brain, potentially resulting in a variety of symptoms and physical findings. These symptoms may include lack of energy (lethargy), poor feeding habits, fever, and vomiting. Affected infants may also experience the absence of certain reflexes (e.g., Moro reflex, etc.); mild to severe muscle spasms including those in which the head and heels are bent backward and the body bows forward (opisthotonus); and/or uncontrolled involuntary muscle movements (spasticity). In some cases, infants with kernicterus may develop life-threatening complications.
Resources
March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
1275 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains
NY
10605
Tel: (914)428-7100
Fax: (914)997-4763
800: (888)663-4637
Askus@marchofdimes.com
http://www.marchofdimes.com
American Liver Foundation
75 Maiden Lane
Suite 603
New York
NY
10038
USA
Tel: (212)668-1000
Fax: (212)483-8179
800: (800)465-4837
info@liverfoundation.org
http://www.liverfoundation.org
NIH/National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive & Kidney Diseases
Endocrine Diseases Metabolic Diseases Branch
2 Information Way
Bethesda
MD
20892-3570
Tel: (301)654-3810
Fax: (301)496-7422
NDDIC@info.niddk.nih.gov
http://www.niddk.nih.gov
Parents of Infants and Children with Kernicterus
One Superior Place
Suite 2410
Chicago
IL
60610
USA
Tel: (312)274-9695
karendixon@pickonline.org
http://www.PICKonline.org
MUMS (Mothers United for Moral Support, Inc) National Parent-to-Parent Network
150 Custer Court
Green Bay
WI
54301-1243
USA
Tel: (920)336-5333
Fax: (920)339-0995
800: (877)336-5333
mums@netnet.net
http://www.netnet.net/mums/
For a Complete Report:
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html
The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org
Last Updated: 2/5/2008
Copyright 1986, 1990, 1997, 1999, 2002, 2004 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
WebMD Medical Reference from the National Organization of Rare Disorders
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