Kernicterus

kernicterus /ker·nic·ter·us/ (ker-nik´ter-us) [Ger.] a condition with severe neural symptoms, associated with high levels of bilirubin in the blood.

---

ker·nic·ter·us (kûr-nktr-s)

n.

A grave form of jaundice of the newborn characterized by very high levels of unconjugated bilirubin in the blood and by yellow staining and degenerative lesions in the cerebral gray matter. Also called nuclear jaundice.

---

Kernicterus

A potentially lethal disease of newborns caused by excessive accumulation of the bile pigment bilirubin.

Mentioned in: Biliary Atresia, Neonatal Jaundice

---

kernicterus

(kurnik´trs),
n a form of brain damage seen in newborns that is caused by an excessive level of red blood cells (polycythemia). As the body breaks down the red blood cells, bilirubin, a byproduct of cell destruction, becomes elevated and results in excessive jaundice. Typical symptoms include lethargy, high-pitched crying, and decreased muscle tone with intermittent periods of increased muscle tone. As the condition progresses, the newborn may exhibit a fever and may arch the head backward in a condition known as opisthotonus, or retrocollis.

---

kernicterus

bilirubin toxicity; may occur with severe hyperbilirubinemia. Rarely observed in dogs and cats.