Kernicterus

Kernicterus, also known as bilirubin encephalopathy, is a clinical condition in neonates caused by increased levels of bilirubin accumulating within the brain. It is a progression of neonatal jaundice when the condition is not identified and treated. Bilirubin is a naturally occurring substance that becomes toxic to brain cells when its concentration in the blood is too high, a state known as hyperbilirubinemia, which may cause bilirubin to accumulate in the grey matter of the central nervous system and cause irreversible neurological damage. Depending on the level of exposure, the effects range from clinically unnoticeable to severe brain damage and even death.