KERNICTERUS Meaning and
Definition
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Kernicterus is a medical condition that occurs when excessive levels of bilirubin accumulate in the brain of a newborn baby. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. Normally, it is processed by the liver and excreted from the body. However, in cases of kernicterus, the bilirubin is not effectively metabolized and begins to build up in the brain tissues.
This condition is typically a consequence of severe jaundice, a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated levels of bilirubin. If not promptly treated, the continued presence of bilirubin in the brain can cause irreversible damage to the nervous system, leading to neurological and developmental problems, such as hearing loss, movement disorders, and intellectual disabilities.
Kernicterus mainly affects newborn infants, particularly those born prematurely or with certain underlying medical conditions that increase their susceptibility to jaundice. It can be prevented with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which often involves phototherapy (exposure to special lights that help break down bilirubin) or, in more severe cases, exchange transfusion (where blood is replaced with healthy blood).
In conclusion, kernicterus is a condition that results from the accumulation of bilirubin in the brain, often triggered by severe jaundice in newborn babies. It can lead to long-term neurological and developmental impairments if left untreated.
Common Misspellings for KERNICTERUS
- jernicterus
- mernicterus
- lernicterus
- oernicterus
- iernicterus
- kwrnicterus
- ksrnicterus
- kdrnicterus
- krrnicterus
- k4rnicterus
- k3rnicterus
- keenicterus
- kednicterus
- kefnicterus
- ketnicterus
- ke5nicterus
- ke4nicterus
- kerbicterus
- kermicterus
Etymology of KERNICTERUS
The word "kernicterus" is derived from two Latin words: "kern" and "icterus".
1. "Kern" comes from the Latin word "cernere", meaning "to separate" or "to distinguish". It refers to the fact that the condition involves distinct brain-cell nuclei being affected.
2. "Icterus" also comes from Latin and means "jaundice". It refers to the yellowish discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by the excessive buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment formed during the breakdown of red blood cells.
Therefore, "kernicterus" essentially means "yellow staining of the brain nuclei", indicating a severe neurological condition caused by the deposition of bilirubin in the brain.
