Neonatal kernicterus

Definition

Kernicterus is a pathologic diagnosis of the neonate that is characterized by yellow staining of the basal ganglia following elevated bilirubin concentrations in the blood and/or a breech in the blood brain barrier more common in the premature infant or the sick term neonate. It is characterized later in infancy and childhood by hearing deficits, choreoathetosis, and varying degrees of cognitive deficit.

Exclusions

• kernicterus due to inborn errors of metabolism

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