What does kernicterus mean?
Definitions for kernicterus
ker·nicterus
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word kernicterus.
Princeton's WordNet
kernicterusnoun
an abnormal accumulation of bile pigment in the brain and other nerve tissue; causes yellow staining and tissue damage
Wiktionary
kernicterusnoun
Damage to the brain centres of infants caused by increased levels of unconjugated-indirect bilirubin which is free (not bound to albumin).
Etymology: Kern + -icterus.
ChatGPT
kernicterus
Kernicterus is a type of brain damage that occurs in a newborn with severe jaundice, which is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of a bile pigment called bilirubin in the brain tissues. It can lead to potential permanent neurological conditions like cerebral palsy, hearing loss, vision problems, intellectual disabilities, and even death in severe cases.
Wikidata
Kernicterus
Kernicterus is a bilirubin-induced brain dysfunction. Bilirubin is a highly neurotoxic substance that may become elevated in the serum, a condition known as hyperbilirubinemia. Hyperbilirubinemia may cause bilirubin to accumulate in the gray matter of the central nervous system, potentially causing irreversible neurological damage. Depending on the level of exposure, the effects range from clinically unnoticeable to severe brain damage and even death. Neonates are especially vulnerable to hyperbilirubinemia-induced neurological damage and therefore must be carefully monitored for alterations in their serum bilirubin levels.
U.S. National Library of Medicine
Kernicterus
A term used pathologically to describe BILIRUBIN staining of the BASAL GANGLIA; BRAIN STEM; and CEREBELLUM and clinically to describe a syndrome associated with HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA. Clinical features include athetosis, MUSCLE SPASTICITY or hypotonia, impaired vertical gaze, and DEAFNESS. Nonconjugated bilirubin enters the brain and acts as a neurotoxin, often in association with conditions that impair the BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER (e.g., SEPSIS). This condition occurs primarily in neonates (INFANT, NEWBORN), but may rarely occur in adults. (Menkes, Textbook of Child Neurology, 5th ed, p613)
Matched Categories
Usage in printed sourcesFrom:
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Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of kernicterus in Chaldean Numerology is: 2
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of kernicterus in Pythagorean Numerology is: 8
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Translations for kernicterus
From our Multilingual Translation Dictionary
- Kernikterus, BilirubinenzephalopathieGerman
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"kernicterus." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 19 Feb. 2025. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/kernicterus>.
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