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Current Pediatric Reviews

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1573-3963
ISSN (Online): 1875-6336

Review Article

Refractory Causes of Kernicterus in Developed Countries: Can We Eradicate G6PD Deficiency Triggered and Low-Bilirubin Kernicterus?

Author(s): Jon F. Watchko*

Volume 13, Issue 3, 2017

Page: [159 - 168] Pages: 10

DOI: 10.2174/1573396313666170718144025

open access plus

Abstract

Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency triggered and low-bilirubin kernicterus persist despite current prevention strategies.

Objective: Review efforts to eradicate bilirubin induced brain injury in these two conditions including novel approaches to risk assessment and hyperbilirubinemia evaluation.

Result and Conclusion: In the case of G6PD deficiency, a heightened awareness of populations at risk and an expanded kernicterus prevention strategy focused on intensified parental engagement, education and counselling on neonatal jaundice is needed. In the case of low-bilirubin kernicterus, a renewed focus on identifying infants with hypoalbuminemia and implementation of hyperbilirubinemia treatment thresholds based on the bilirubin/albumin ratio is needed. Bilirubin binding panels when commercially available will prove valuable.

Keywords: Jaundice, hyperbilirubinemia, hemolysis, prematurity, genetics, hypoalbuminemia, bilirubin encephalopathy, bilirubin/albumin ratio.


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