Kernicterus

**Definition:** 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)

**Tree numbers:** - C10.228.140.163.480 - C15.378.295.502 - C16.614.304.502 - C18.452.132.480 - C20.306.502 - C23.550.429.750

**Synonyms:** - Hyperbilirubinemic Encephalopathy - Encephalopathy, Bilirubin - Encephalopathy, Hyperbilirubinemic - Bilirubin Encephalopathy