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Dubin-Johnson syndrome
Definition:
Dubin-Johnson syndrome is an inherited disorder characterized by mild jaundice throughout life. Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
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Dubin-Johnson syndrome is a very rare autosomal recessive disorder, which means that in order to inherit the condition, a child must get a copy of the defective gene from both parents. The transport of bilirubin from the liver is dysfunctional in people with this condition. Bilirubrin is a product of the liver's metabolism of worn-out red blood cells and is normally sent into the digestive system. When bilirubin is not properly processed, it builds up in the bloodstream and causes the skin and the whites of the eyes take on a yellow tinge. Severely high levels can damage the brain and other organs. People with Dubin-Johnson syndrome have life-long low-grade jaundice that may be aggravated by alcohol, pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, infection, and other environmental factors that affect the liver.
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