What causes unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia?
Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia can result from increased production, impaired conjugation, or impaired hepatic uptake of bilirubin, a yellow bile pigment produced from hemoglobin during erythrocyte destruction. It can also occur naturally in newborns.
Is bilirubin encephalopathy same as kernicterus?
Bilirubin encephalopathy is a rare neurological condition that occurs in some newborns with severe jaundice. Kernicterus is a condition where very high bilirubin levels in the blood are deposited in the brain tissue causing irreversible damage to the brain.
What causes kernicterus bilirubin?
Kernicterus is caused by a high level of bilirubin in a baby’s blood. If left untreated, the bilirubin can then spread into the brain, where it causes long-term damage.
How is kernicterus treated?
Kernicterus treatment Babies with high bilirubin levels are often treated with phototherapy, or light therapy. During this treatment, the baby’s bare body is exposed to a special light. The light increases the rate at which the baby’s body breaks down unconjugated bilirubin.
What level of bilirubin can causes kernicterus?
Kernicterus, or bilirubin encephalopathy, is bilirubin-induced neurological damage, which is most commonly seen in infants. It occurs when the unconjugated bilirubin (indirect bilirubin) levels cross 25 mg/dL in the blood from any event leading to decreased elimination and increased production of bilirubin.
Which disease is associated with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia?
People with Crigler-Najjar syndrome have a buildup of unconjugated bilirubin in their blood (unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia). Bilirubin has an orange-yellow tint, and hyperbilirubinemia causes yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice).
What are the physical signs and symptoms of acute bilirubin encephalopathy?
Acute bilirubin encephalopathy encompasses the acute illness caused by severe hyperbilirubinemia. Presenting signs and symptoms include decreased feeding, lethargy, abnormal tone (hypotonia and/or hypertonia), high-pitched cry, retrocollis and opisthotonus, setting-sun sign, fever, seizures, and possibly death [6,7].
What should be the bilirubin level for hyperbilirubinemia?
Devgun et al indicate a direct bilirubin concentration of 10 μmol/L or higher should be used to consider the presence of conjugated hyperbilirubinemia, provided that total bilirubin concentration is also above the reference interval. [ 19]
What causes neonatal indirect hyperbilirubinemia ( IHB )?
Neonatal indirect hyperbilirubinemia (IHB) is caused by an imbalance in bilirubin production and elimination. Approximately 60% of term and 80% of preterm infants develop jaundice in the first week of age.
What causes unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in the human body?
Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia can result from increased production, impaired conjugation, or impaired hepatic uptake of bilirubin, a yellow bile pigment produced from hemoglobin during erythrocyte destruction. It can also occur naturally in newborns. (See Pathophysiology and Etiology .)
When to see a gastroenterologist for conjugated hyperbilirubinemia?
In most patients, the cause of conjugated hyperbilirubinemia is apparent, such as those with viral hepatitis or sepsis. When this is not the case or when multiple causes are possible, consultation with a gastroenterologist or a hepatologist may be helpful. Lathe GH. The degradation of haem by mammals and its excretion as conjugated bilirubin.
