Clinical utility of electrophysiological evaluation in Crigler-Najjar syndrome

Neuropediatrics. 2007 Aug;38(4):173-8. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-991147.

Abstract

We evaluated the neurological and neurophysiological features in ten patients with genetically characterized Crigler-Najjar (CN) syndrome: four with typical type I CN had undergone orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT); six had type II CN, and three of them developed severe hyperbilirubinemia with a limited response to phenobarbital leading to an intermediate phenotype I/II. Clinical neurological and multimodal electrophysiological evaluations [electroencephalogram (EEG), visual (VEPs), motor (MEPs) and brainstem auditory (BAEPs) evoked potentials] were performed. Neurological examinations showed mild hand tremor in four patients (one pre-OLT and one post-OLT type I, two type I/II). EEG revealed high voltage paroxysmal discharges in four patients (three type I/II, and one type I with a marked improvement after OLT). VEPs showed P100 wave increased latency in five patients (three type I, and two type I/II considered for OLT evaluation). MEPs showed prolonged central motor conduction time in five patients (two type I; one type I/II; two type II). Only EEG and VEPs findings showed a correlation with high bilirubin levels. BAEPs were normal. In conclusion, VEPs and EEG contribute to identify and monitor bilirubin neurotoxic effects, and may play a decisional role in some cases of severe hyperbilirubinemia without overt neurologic damage.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Crigler-Najjar Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Crigler-Najjar Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Crigler-Najjar Syndrome / surgery
  • Electroencephalography
  • Electrophysiology*
  • Evoked Potentials / physiology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation / methods
  • Male
  • Neurologic Examination
  • Physical Stimulation / methods
  • Reaction Time