| | Definition: | | Kernicterus is a clinical syndrome afflicting newborns which is caused by high levels of unconjugated bilirubin which passes the immature blood-brain barrier of the newborn and causes degeneration of cells of the basal ganglia and hippocampus. An affected child displays a range of neurologic disorders: hypertonia, seizure, and cerebral palsy. In severe cases, death is likely. |
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