Kernicterus is an abnormal accumulation of bilirubin in which tissue?

Kernicterus is an abnormal accumulation of bilirubin in which tissue?

• A. Heart tissue
• B. Brain tissue
• C. Liver tissue
• D. Kidney tissue

Answer: (B)

Kernicterus occurs when bilirubin, especially unconjugated bilirubin, deposits in brain tissue due to the immature blood-brain barrier in newborns. Unconjugated bilirubin is lipid-soluble and can cross into the brain when levels are very high or binding to albumin is reduced. Once in the brain, it damages neurons—particularly in regions such as the basal ganglia and brainstem—leading to permanent neurological consequences. That vulnerability of brain tissue explains why the abnormal accumulation happens there rather than in other organs.

Kernicterus occurs when bilirubin, especially unconjugated bilirubin, deposits in brain tissue due to the immature blood-brain barrier in newborns. Unconjugated bilirubin is lipid-soluble and can cross into the brain when levels are very high or binding to albumin is reduced. Once in the brain, it damages neurons—particularly in regions such as the basal ganglia and brainstem—leading to permanent neurological consequences. That vulnerability of brain tissue explains why the abnormal accumulation happens there rather than in other organs.