What is kernicterus and its pathophysiology
Answers
Kernicterus is a rare kind of preventable brain damage that can happen in newborns with jaundice. Jaundice is a yellow coloring of the skin and other tissues that affects about 60%-80% of infants in the United States. It happens when babies build up too much of a chemical called bilirubin in their blood.
Pathophysiology. Kernicterus, which is characterized by a deposition of unconjugated bilirubin in brain cells, may occur in neonates as the result of hyperbilirubinemia and the immaturity of the blood-brain barrier. Unconjugated bilirubin is the major breakdown product of heme and is normally glucuronidated in liver.
Pathophysiology. Kernicterus, which is characterized by a deposition of unconjugated bilirubin in brain cells, may occur in neonates as the result of hyperbilirubinemia and the immaturity of the blood-brain barrier. Unconjugated bilirubin is the major breakdown product of heme and is normally glucuronidated in liver.