Reversibility of acute intermediate phase bilirubin encephalopathy.

AIM: To show the potential for reversing acute intermediate to advanced phase bilirubin encephalopathy.

METHODS: Case studies.

RESULTS: Six extremely jaundiced infants had symptoms of intermediate to advanced phase acute bilirubin encephalopathy. The infants were treated aggressively. Two patients had brain magnetic resonance imaging showing increased signals in the globus pallidus. On follow-up, all infants are neurologically normal.

CONCLUSIONS: Intermediate-to-advanced stage acute bilirubin encephalopathy may occasionally be reversible. These cases provide a strong argument in favour of rapid and aggressive intervention in infants presenting with extreme jaundice and neurological symptoms.