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Transient familial hyperbilirubinemia

Lucey-Driscoll syndrome

 

Transient familial hyperbilirubinemia is a metabolic disorder that is passed down through families. Babies with this disorder are born with severe jaundice .

Causes

 

Transient familial hyperbilirubinemia is an inherited disorder. It occurs when the body does not properly break down (metabolize) a certain form of bilirubin . Bilirubin levels rapidly build up in the body. The high levels are poisonous to the brain and can cause death.

 

Symptoms

 

The newborn may have:

  • Yellow skin (jaundice)
  • Yellow eyes (icterus)
  • Lethargy

If untreated, seizures and neurologic problems (kernicterus) may develop.

 

Exams and Tests

 

Blood tests for bilirubin levels can identify the severity of the jaundice.

 

Treatment

 

Phototherapy with blue light is used to treat the high level of bilirubin. An exchange transfusion is sometimes necessary if the levels are extremely high.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Babies who are treated can have a good outcome. If the condition is not treated, severe complications develop. This disorder tends to improve with time.

 

Possible Complications

 

Death or severe brain and nervous system (neurological) problems can occur if the condition is not treated.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

This problem is most often found immediately after delivery. However, call your health care provider if you notice your baby's skin turning yellow. There are other causes for jaundice in the newborn that are easily treated.

Genetic counseling can help families understand the condition, its risks of recurring, and how to care for the person.

 

Prevention

 

Phototherapy can help prevent serious complications of this disorder.

 

 

References

Berk PD, Korenblat KM. Approach to the patient with jaundice or abnormal liver tests. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 147.

LIdofsky SD. Jaundice. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 21.

 

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            Review Date: 8/1/2015

            Reviewed By: Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, FACMG, Fullerton Genetics Center, Asheville, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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