Crigler-Najjar syndrome

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Liver anatomy

Glucuronyl transferase deficiency (type I Crigler-Najjar); Arias syndrome (type II Crigler-Najjar)

Phototherapy (light treatment) is needed on an ongoing basis throughout life. In infants this is done using bilirubin lights (bili or 'blue' lights). Phototherapy becomes less successful after 4 years because thickened skin blocks the light.

Liver transplantation has been used successfully for some people with type I disease.

Affected individuals who reach adulthood will develop kernicterus despite ongoing treatment. The life expectancy for type I disease has been extended from death in childhood to people now living to at least age 30.

Possible complications include:

• Kernicterus
• Chronic yellow skin/eyes

Seek genetic counseling if you are planning to have children and have a family history of Crigler-Najjar.

Call your health care provider if you or your newborn infant has prolonged jaundice.

Review Date: 08/11/2006
Reviewed By: Brian Kirmse, MD, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.