Crigler-Najjar disease

Overview
Crigler-Najjar syndrome (CNS) is an inherited metabolic disorder caused by a liver enzyme deficiency which prevents the usual metabolic breakdown of bilirubin; a normal by-product in our body’s disposal of worn-out red blood cells.

Children with CNS are unable to eliminate bilirubin from their bodies and therefore must undergo daily 12-hour exposure to special blue lights, just to survive. Without daily treatments, a child would suffer brain damage, muscle and nerve damage and death due to bilirubin toxicity.

Epidemiology and Demographics
Crigler-Najjar is a very rare disease. There are less than 50 known cases in the USA, and less than 200 worldwide. It is named after Dr. Crigler and Dr. Najjar who discovered the disease.

Suggested Links and Web Resources
http://www.criglernajjar.com/