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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.
What is fractionated bilirubin?
Fractionated bilirubin refers to the measurement of different forms of bilirubin in the blood, specifically direct (conjugated) and indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin. Bilirubin is a byproduct of the breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells, and its levels are important for diagnosing liver function and disorders. Direct bilirubin is water-soluble and processed by the liver, while indirect bilirubin is not water-soluble and indicates issues with liver processing or increased red blood cell breakdown. Analyzing both fractions helps healthcare providers determine the underlying cause of jaundice or other related symptoms.
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 makes bilirubin when the spleen is removed?
When the spleen is removed, a condition known as asplenia occurs, which can lead to increased bilirubin production. The spleen plays a crucial role in filtering and breaking down old red blood cells, a process that produces bilirubin as a byproduct. Without the spleen, there can be an accumulation of red blood cells in circulation, leading to increased hemolysis and subsequently higher levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream. This can result in jaundice and other related symptoms due to elevated bilirubin levels.
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.
What the types of serum bilirubin?
Serum bilirubin is primarily categorized into three types: direct (conjugated) bilirubin, indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin, and total bilirubin. Direct bilirubin is water-soluble and occurs after the liver processes bilirubin, while indirect bilirubin is fat-soluble and represents bilirubin that has not yet been conjugated by the liver. Total bilirubin is the sum of both direct and indirect bilirubin levels in the blood, often measured to assess liver function and diagnose various medical conditions.
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.
