About Acute bilirubin encephalopathy
What is Acute bilirubin encephalopathy?
Acute bilirubin encephalopathy is a neurological disorder caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood. It is most commonly seen in newborns, and is caused by an inability of the liver to process bilirubin. Symptoms of acute bilirubin encephalopathy include seizures, lethargy, poor feeding, and jaundice. Treatment typically involves phototherapy and exchange transfusions.
What are the symptoms of Acute bilirubin encephalopathy?
The symptoms of Acute Bilirubin Encephalopathy (ABE) can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:
- Irritability
High-pitched crying
- Lethargy
- Poor feeding
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Jaundice
- Poor muscle tone
- Poor reflexes
- Abnormal eye movements
- Coma
What are the causes of Acute bilirubin encephalopathy?
The most common cause of acute bilirubin encephalopathy is an excessive accumulation of unconjugated bilirubin in the blood, which is usually due to an underlying condition such as:
1. Hemolytic anemia
2. Crigler-Najjar syndrome
3. Gilbert's syndrome
4. Dubin-Johnson syndrome
5. Rotor syndrome
6. Breast milk jaundice
7. ABO incompatibility
8. Rh incompatibility
9. Infections
10. Liver diseases
11. Metabolic disorders
12. Medications
13. Blood transfusions
What are the treatments for Acute bilirubin encephalopathy?
1. Phototherapy: Phototherapy is the most common treatment for acute bilirubin encephalopathy. It involves exposing the baby to special blue lights that help break down the bilirubin in the baby’s body.
2. Exchange transfusion: Exchange transfusion is a procedure in which the baby’s blood is removed and replaced with donor blood. This helps reduce the amount of bilirubin in the baby’s body.
3. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG): IVIG is a medication that helps reduce the amount of bilirubin in the baby’s body.
4. Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are medications that help reduce inflammation in the brain.
5. Anticonvulsants: Anticonvulsants are
What are the risk factors for Acute bilirubin encephalopathy?
1. Prematurity
2. Blood group incompatibility
3. Polycythemia
4. Hemolytic anemia
5. Sepsis
6. Hypoxia
7. Hypoalbuminemia
8. Hypothermia
9. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
10. Prolonged phototherapy
11. Exchange transfusion
12. Intravenous immune globulin therapy
13. Prolonged jaundice
14. High levels of unconjugated bilirubin
Is there a cure/medications for Acute bilirubin encephalopathy?
Yes, there are treatments available for acute bilirubin encephalopathy. Treatment typically involves phototherapy, exchange transfusions, and medications such as phenobarbital and phenytoin. In some cases, supportive care such as respiratory support and nutritional support may also be necessary.