[The bronze-baby-syndrome: a complication of phototherapy (author's transl)]

A case of intense grey-brown discoloration of the skin, serum and urine in a premature twin is reported when phototherapy was used to reduce hyperbilirubinemia. All features made the diagnosis of bronze-baby-syndrome most probable. We were able to detect an increased level of coproporphyrin in serum. The patient did not show any signs of a kernicterus. Possible speculations about the pathogenetic and prognostic value of elevated levels of coproporphyrins in newborn infants under treatment with phototherapy are discussed. In these cases we must be aware of possible neurotoxic effects, since increased concentrations of bilirubin breakdown products may not be excreted as well through the normal biliary passage as normally.