Neurologic perspectives of Crigler-Najjar syndrome type I

Limited information exists on the neurologic sequelae of Crigler-Najjar syndrome type I despite this being the major morbidity of this rare autosomal recessive disorder of bilirubin conjugation that results in chronic unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Two patients with identical underlying genetic mutations resulting in Crigler-Najjar syndrome type I were assessed from a neurodevelopmental perspective in late childhood using age appropriate standardized measures. In addition, the English language literature of case reports and series describing the outcomes of patients with this disorder was reviewed (descriptive meta-analysis) and summarized with particular reference to neurologic symptomatology, pattern of neurologic disability, age of onset of symptoms, and therapeutic interventions. Despite radically different therapeutic interventions, our two patients did not differ in outcome measures. Review of the literature reveals distinct, often age-related, patterns of neurologic sequelae reflecting injury to basal ganglia, cerebellar, and likely hippocampal structures. Definitive prevention of the neurologic sequelae that often occur within the context of Crigler-Najjar syndrome type I requires that curative treatment (hepatic transplantation, presently, and gene therapy in the future) be applied prior to the possible onset of neurologic symptoms in adolescence.