Crigler Najjar Syndrome Type I

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Crigler Najjar Syndrome Type I is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

Bilirubin Glucuronosyltransferase Deficiency Type I
Uridine Diphosphate Glucuronosyltransferase, Severe Def. Type I
Congenital Familial Nonhemolytic Jaundice Type I

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

Crigler-Najjar syndrome type I is a very rare inherited metabolic disorder characterized by the complete absence of the enzyme uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UDPGT), which is normally found in the liver. This enzyme is required for the conversion (conjugation) and subsequent excretion of bilirubin from the body. When UDP-glucuronosyltransferase activity is absent, these metabolic processes are hampered and abnormally high levels of bilirubin accumulate in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia).

Within the first few days of life, most infants with Crigler-Najjar syndrome type I develop persistent yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and whites of the eyes (jaundice). In addition, some affected individuals may develop kernicterus, a potentially life-threatening neurological condition in which toxic levels of bilirubin accumulate in the brain, causing damage to the central nervous system. Early signs of kernicterus may include lack of energy (lethargy), vomiting, fever, and/or unsatisfactory feedings. More serious signs of kernicterus may develop, including abnormal muscle rigidity, resulting in muscle spasms (dystonia) and involuntary movements of the limbs and/or entire body (athetosis). Crigler-Najjar syndrome type I is inherited as an autosomal recessive genetic trait.
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Resources

CLIMB (Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Diseases)
Climb Building
176 Nantwich Road
Crewe, Intl CW2 6BG
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 870 7700 325
Fax: +44 870 7700 327
Email: info@climb.org.uk
Internet: http://www.CLIMB.org.uk

American Liver Foundation
75 Maiden Lane
Suite 603
New York, NY 10038
USA
Tel: 2126681000
Fax: 2124838179
Tel: 8004654837
Email: info@liverfoundation.org
Internet: http://www.liverfoundation.org

NIH/National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
Tel: (301)654-3810
Fax: (301)907-8906
Tel: (800)891-5389
Email: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.niddk.nih.gov

Children's Liver Disease Foundation
36 Great Charles Street Queensway
Birmingham, Intl B3 3JY
United Kingdom
Tel: 0121-212-3839
Fax: 0121-212-4300
Email: info@childliverdisease.org
Internet: http://www.childliverdisease.org

Parents of Infants and Children with Kernicterus
One Superior Place
Suite 2410
Chicago, IL 60610
USA
Tel: 3122749695
Email: karendixon@pickonline.org
Internet: http://www.PICKonline.org

Crigler-Najjar Association
3134 Bayberry St.
Wichita, KS 67226
Tel: (316)685-7477
Email: mauckc@msn.com
Internet: http://www.criglernajjar.com

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org
Last Updated: 12/17/2002
Copyright 1997, 1998, 2002 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

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