Crigler-Najjar syndrome (patient information)
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What is Crigler-Najjar syndrome?
Crigler-Najjar syndrome is a very rare inherited disorder in which bilirubin (a substance made by the liver) cannot be broken down.
What are the symptoms of Crigler-Najjar syndrome?
- Confusion and changes in thinking
- Yellow skin (jaundice) and yellow in the whites of the eyes (icterus), which begin a few days after birth and get worse over time
What are the causes of Crigler-Najjar syndrome?
Crigler-Najjar syndrome is caused by an abnormal gene. The gene fails to make the enzyme that normally converts bilirubin into a form that can easily be removed from the body. Without this enzyme, bilirubin can build up in the body and lead to jaundice (yellow discoloration of skin and eyes) and damage to the brain, muscles, and nerves.
Crigler-Najjar (type 1) is the early-onset form of the disease. Arias syndrome (type 2) is a later-onset condition.
The syndrome runs in families (inherited). A child must get the defective gene from both parents to develop the severe form of the condition. Parents who are carriers (with just one defective gene) have about half the enzyme activity of a normal adult.
Who is at risk for Crigler-Najjar syndrome?
How to know you have Crigler-Najjar syndrome?
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for Crigler-Najjar syndrome
Directions to Hospitals Treating Crigler-Najjar syndrome
Prevention of Crigler-Najjar syndrome
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)
Sources
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