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Kernicterus or bilirubin encephalopathy 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.
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What are the symptoms of hepatic coma?
Symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy range from almost unnoticeable changes in personality, energy levels, and thinking patterns to deep coma.
What are the symptoms of encephalopathy?
Symptoms of encephalopathy can include confusion, memory loss, disorientation, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, and changes in behavior or personality. In more severe cases, individuals may experience seizures, coma, or loss of consciousness. Symptoms can vary depending on the cause and severity of the encephalopathy.
Why antihistamine is used in treatment of jaundice?
To temporairly relieve symptoms of itching due to excess bilirubin in the blood.
How can encephalopathy affect the brain?
Inability to reproduce a star or other simple design (apraxia) and deterioration of handwriting are common symptoms of early encephalopathy. Decreased brain function can also cause inappropriate behavior, lack of interest in personal grooming, mood swings
How does the administration of lactulose impact ammonia levels in patients with hepatic encephalopathy?
The administration of lactulose helps reduce ammonia levels in patients with hepatic encephalopathy by promoting the excretion of ammonia in the stool. This helps to improve symptoms of confusion and cognitive impairment associated with the condition.
What are the pigments released by the liver in bile called?
From the glossary of medical terms the answer is: BILIRUBIN
What is the color of bilirubin?
The color of Bilirubin is orange Bilirubin is an orange color pigment in the bile
What is the medical terminology breakdown of Encephalopathy?
Encephalopathy: the prefix is en- meaning within. -cephal- is the root word meaning head and the suffix is -opathy meaning disease. Encephalopathy = disease in the head or brain.
Are eyes effected by primary biliary cirrhosis?
Possibly - One of the symptoms is Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), due to increased bilirubin in the blood.
What is another name for bile pigment?
Bilirubin
End product of hemoglobin breakdown is?
bilirubin
How is encephalopathy treated?
Condition may disappear if the cause of symptoms is eliminated. In other cases, treatment is designed to improve liver function as much as possible; remove or relieve factors that worsen symptoms; and decrease the body's production of poisonous substances
