Crigler-Najjar syndrome

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Crigler-Najjar syndrome

Gastrointestinal system

Disorders of the peritoneal cavity

Key Takeaways

Crigler-Najjar syndrome is an inherited disorder that affects the ability to break down bilirubin, a pigment produced when red blood cells are broken down. Crigler-Najjar syndrome is caused by the absence (type I) or reduced activity (type II) of the enzyme UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, and people having this disease present with high levels of bilirubin in their blood, which can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, lightheadedness, confusion, and coma. The severity of symptoms varies among people with this condition.