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Copyright 1986, 1990, 1997, 1999, 2002, 2004
Synonyms of Kernicterus
Disorder Subdivisions
General Discussion
Kernicterus is a rare neurological disorder characterized by excessive levels of bilirubin in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia) during infancy. Bilirubin is an orange-yellow bile pigment that is a byproduct of the natural breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells (hemolysis). Toxic levels of bilirubin may accumulate in the brain, potentially resulting in a variety of symptoms and physical findings. These symptoms may include lack of energy (lethargy), poor feeding habits, fever, and vomiting. Affected infants may also experience the absence of certain reflexes (e.g., Moro reflex, etc.); mild to severe muscle spasms including those in which the head and heels are bent backward and the body bows forward (opisthotonus); and/or uncontrolled involuntary muscle movements (spasticity). In some cases, infants with kernicterus may develop life-threatening complications.
Organizations related to Kernicterus
- American Liver Foundation
75 Maiden Lane
Suite 603
New York NY 10038
Phone #: 212-668-1000
800 #: 800-465-4837
e-mail: info@liverfoundation.org
Home page: http://www.liverfoundation.org
- Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg MD 20898-8126
Phone #: 301-251-4925
800 #: 888-205-2311
e-mail: ordr@od.nih.gov
Home page: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/Default.aspx
- MUMS (Mothers United for Moral Support, Inc) National Parent-to-Parent Network
150 Custer Court
Green Bay WI 54301-1243
Phone #: 920-336-5333
800 #: 877-336-5333
e-mail: mums@netnet.net
Home page: http://www.netnet.net/mums/
- March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
1275 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains NY 10605
Phone #: 914-997-4488
800 #: 888-663-4637
e-mail: Askus@marchofdimes.com
Home page: http://www.marchofdimes.com
- NIH/National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive & Kidney Diseases
Endocrine Diseases Metabolic Diseases Branch
2 Information Way
Bethesda MD 20892-3570
Phone #: 301-654-3810
800 #: --
e-mail: NDDIC@info.niddk.nih.gov
Home page: http://www.niddk.nih.gov
- Parents of Infants and Children with Kernicterus
One Superior Place
Suite 2410
Chicago IL 60610
Phone #: 312-274-9695
800 #: --
e-mail: karendixon@pickonline.org
Home page: http://www.PICKonline.org
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