Alternative Names
Lucey-Driscol syndrome
Definition of Transient familial hyperbilirubinemia
Transient familial hyperbilirubinemia is a metabolic disorder that is passed down through families. Babies with this disorder are born with severe jaundice.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Transient familial hyperbilirubinemia is an inherited disorder. It occurs when the body does not properly break down (metabolize) a certain form of . Bilirubin levels rapidly build up in the body. The high levels are poisonous to the brain and can cause death.
Symptoms
The newborn may have:
Signs and tests
Blood tests for bilirubin levels can identify the severity of the jaundice.
Treatment
with blue light is used to treat the high level of bilirubin. An is sometimes necessary.
Expectations (prognosis)
Babies who are treated can have a good outcome. If the condition is not treated, severe complications develop. This disorder tends to improve with time.
Review
Diana Chambers, MS, EdD, Certified Genetics Counselor (ABMG), Charter member of the ABGC, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN. Review provided by VeriMed HealthcareNetwork. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 8/11/2009
