Radiol Bras. 2016 Nov/Dez;49(6):406–413 408 http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/0100-3984.2015.0190 There is a broad spectrum of diagnoses of bilateral lesions in the basal ganglia in the pediatric population. The main causes cited are hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy; hypoglycemia; encephalitis; inborn errors of metabolism; water and electrolyte disturbances; carbon monoxide poisoning; and demyelinating ...

Hemolytic conditions in preterm neonates, including Rhesus (Rh) disease, can lead to mortality and long-term impairments due to bilirubin neurotoxicity. Universal access to Rh immunoprophylaxis, coordinated perinatal-neonatal care, and effective phototherapy has virtually eliminated the risk of kernicterus in many countries. In the absence of jaundice due to isoimmunization and without access t...

Neurotoxic bilirubin is solely conjugated by UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1. Due to an inadequate function of UGT1A1, human neonates develop mild to severe physiological hyperbilirubinemia. Accumulation of bilirubin in the brain leads to the onset of irreversible brain damage called kernicterus. Breastfeeding is one of the most significant factors that increase the risk of developing ker...

Background: Hyperbilirubinemia is a common problem in neonates. It is observed during the first week of the life in approximately 60% of term and 80% of preterm neonates. Kernicterus is a rare but serious consequence of undiagnosed hyperbilirubinemia. In this situation, indirect bilirubin deposit in the brain and causes transient dysfunction and occasionally permanent neuronal damage. The aim o...

Bilirubin is the end product of degradation of the heme moiety of hemoproteins. Hemoglobin, derived from senescent erythrocytes, is the major source of bilirubin. Significant fractions are also derived from other hemoproteins of liver and other organs. Historically, hyperbilirubinemia has attracted the attention of clinicians as a marker of liver dysfunction. Subsequently, the studies of biliru...

This article is adapted from a published evidence report concerning neonatal hyperbilirubinemia with an added section on the risk of blood exchange transfusion (BET). Based on a summary of multiple case reports that spanned more than 30 years, we conclude that kernicterus, although infrequent, has at least 10% mortality and at least 70% long-term morbidity. It is evident that the preponderance ...