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Important
General DiscussionCrigler-Najjar syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia). Bilirubin is a yellowish waste product that is formed when the liver breaks down old or worn out red blood cells (hemolysis). Individuals with Crigler-Najjar syndrome develop hyperbilirubinemia in the absence of hemolysis. The elevated bilirubin levels occur because affected individuals lack a specific liver enzyme required to break down (metabolize) bilirubin. The hallmark finding of Crigler-Najjar syndrome is persistent yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes and whites of the eyes (jaundice). There are two forms of this disorder: Crigler-Najjar syndrome type I, characterized by a nearly complete lack of enzyme activity and severe symptoms; and Crigler-Najjar syndrome type II, characterized by partial enzyme activity and milder symptoms. Most cases of Crigler-Najjar syndrome are inherited as autosomal recessive traits and are due to errors or disruptions (mutations) of the UGT1 gene located on chromosome 2. Supporting OrganizationsAmerican Liver Foundation
CLIMB (Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Diseases)
Children's Liver Disease Foundation
Crigler-Najjar Association/King's Way Foundation
Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
Parents of Infants and Children with Kernicterus (P.I.C.K.)
For a Complete ReportThis is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). For a full-text version of this report, go to www.rarediseases.org and click on Rare Disease Database under "Rare Disease Information".
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