kernicterus

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Word: Kernicterus

Definition: Kernicterus is a medical term that refers to a serious condition caused by an abnormal buildup of a substance called bilirubin in the brain and other nerve tissues. This usually happens when a newborn baby has very high levels of bilirubin in their blood, often due to jaundice. The buildup can lead to yellow staining of the tissues and can cause damage to the brain.

Usage Instructions:

• Part of Speech: Noun
• Context: Kernicterus is usually discussed in medical contexts, particularly in pediatrics (the branch of medicine dealing with children) and neonatology (the study of newborns).

Example Sentence:

• "If not treated quickly, severe jaundice in newborns can lead to kernicterus, resulting in long-term neurological issues."

Advanced Usage:

• In medical literature, you might encounter phrases like "the risk factors for kernicterus" or "the long-term consequences of kernicterus on child development."

Word Variants:

• Kernicteric (adjective): This describes something related to or affected by kernicterus, such as "kernicteric changes in the brain."

Different Meaning:

• Kernicterus specifically refers to the medical condition; it does not have other meanings outside of this context.

Synonyms:

• There are no direct synonyms for "kernicterus," but related terms include "bilirubin encephalopathy," which is another way to describe the condition.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no commonly used idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "kernicterus." However, in medical discussions, you might hear phrases like "to monitor bilirubin levels" or "to treat jaundice early."

Summary:

Kernicterus is a serious medical condition that can occur in newborns due to high bilirubin levels.

Academic

Noun

1. an abnormal accumulation of bile pigment in the brain and other nerve tissue; causes yellow staining and tissue damage