Kernicterus of newborn
Synopsis

There are many risk factors than can lead to BINDs. Increased bilirubin production can be caused by conditions that lead to increased immune and nonimmune related hemolysis. These include blood group incompatibilities between mother and infant (Rh, ABO, and minor antigens), enzyme defects (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency), abnormal RBC morphology (spherocytosis), deep bruising, and cephalohematomas. Conditions that lead to impaired bilirubin metabolism, such as Crigler-Najjar syndrome type 1, can also can cause severe hyperbilirubinemia and kernicterus.
Additional risk factors include breast-feeding, sepsis, prematurity, acidosis, hypoalbuminemia, and dehydration.
Kernicterus is largely a preventable disease with early detection of rising bilirubin levels, and appropriate treatment includes phototherapy and exchange transfusions. There are many available published guidelines for the management of hyperbilirubinemia and prevention of kernicterus.
Codes
P57.9 – Kernicterus, unspecified
SNOMEDCT:
50143004 – Kernicterus of newborn
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