Kernicterus involves bilirubin accumulation in which tissue?

Kernicterus involves bilirubin accumulation in which tissue?

• A. Brain
• B. Liver
• C. Kidney
• D. Blood

Answer: (A)

Kernicterus is bilirubin deposition in brain tissue. In newborns, unconjugated bilirubin is lipid-soluble and the immature blood–brain barrier allows it to enter the central nervous system. When it accumulates in neurons, especially in areas like the basal ganglia and brainstem, it causes irreversible neurological injury characteristic of kernicterus. The liver normally conjugates bilirubin for excretion, and bilirubin in the blood is just circulating pigment, but the damaging site in kernicterus is the brain, not the liver, kidneys, or bloodstream. Prompt reduction of bilirubin levels is crucial to prevent lasting neurodevelopmental problems.

Kernicterus is bilirubin deposition in brain tissue. In newborns, unconjugated bilirubin is lipid-soluble and the immature blood–brain barrier allows it to enter the central nervous system. When it accumulates in neurons, especially in areas like the basal ganglia and brainstem, it causes irreversible neurological injury characteristic of kernicterus. The liver normally conjugates bilirubin for excretion, and bilirubin in the blood is just circulating pigment, but the damaging site in kernicterus is the brain, not the liver, kidneys, or bloodstream. Prompt reduction of bilirubin levels is crucial to prevent lasting neurodevelopmental problems.