Kernicterus vs. Bilirubin — What's the Difference?

Kernicterus is a bilirubin-induced brain dysfunction. The term was coined in 1904 by Schmorl.

Bilirubin (BR) is a yellow compound that occurs in the normal catabolic pathway that breaks down heme in vertebrates. This catabolism is a necessary process in the body's clearance of waste products that arise from the destruction of aged or abnormal red blood cells.

(medicine) Damage to the brain centres of infants caused by increased levels of unconjugated-indirect bilirubin which is free (not bound to albumin).

An orange-yellow pigment formed in the liver by the breakdown of haemoglobin and excreted in bile.

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

A reddish-yellow bile pigment, C33H36N4O6, derived from the degradation of heme.

(biochemistry) A bile pigment that is a product of the breakdown of the heme portion of hemoglobin (which occurs within macrophages as they digest red blood cells), and which is responsible for the yellowish color seen in bruises. Extremely high levels of bilirubin may cause jaundice.

A reddish yellow pigment present in human bile, and in that from carnivorous and herbivorous animals; the normal biliary pigment.

An orange-yellow pigment in the bile that forms as a product of hemoglobin; excess amounts in the blood produce the yellow appearance observed in jaundice