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Kernicterus

A term used pathologically to describe BILIRUBIN staining of the BASAL GANGLIA; BRAIN STEM; and CEREBELLUM and clinically to describe a syndrome associated with HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA. Clinical features include athetosis, MUSCLE SPASTICITY or hypotonia, impaired vertical gaze, and DEAFNESS. Nonconjugated bilirubin enters the brain and acts as a neurotoxin, often in association with conditions that impair the BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER (e.g., SEPSIS). This condition occurs primarily in neonates (INFANT, NEWBORN), but may rarely occur in adults. (Menkes, Textbook of Child Neurology, 5th ed, p613)

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Tree Number(s): C10.228.140.163.480, C15.378.295.502, C16.614.304.502, C18.452.132.480, C20.306.502, C23.550.429.750

MeSH Unique ID: D007647

Entry Terms:

  • Hyperbilirubinemic Encephalopathy
  • Encephalopathies, Hyperbilirubinemic
  • Hyperbilirubinemic Encephalopathies
  • Encephalopathy, Bilirubin
  • Encephalopathy, Hyperbilirubinemic
  • Bilirubin Encephalopathy
  • Bilirubin Encephalopathies
  • Encephalopathies, Bilirubin

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