Definition of Transient familial hyperbilirubinemia:
Transient familial hyperbilirubinemia is a metabolic disorder passed down through families. Babies with this disorder are born with severe jaundice.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Transient familial hyperbilirubinemia is thought to be an autosomal recessive inherited disorder. It occurs when the body does not properly break down (metabolize) a certain form of bilirubin. Bilirubin levels rapidly build up in the body. The high levels are poisonous to the brain and can cause death.
