["Bronze baby" syndrome]

Ann Dermatol Venereol. 1994;121(8):568-70.
[Article in French]

Abstract

"Bronze baby" syndrome is a rare complication of phototherapy for neonatal jaundice occurring due to modified liver function, particularly cholestasis, of various origins. We report a case which occurred in a premature infant who developed a grey-brown coloration during phototherapy. The infant had haemolytic jaundice due to Rhesus incompatibility complicated by cholestasis of thick bile fluid. Abnormal accumulation of unexcreted photoproducts due to the cholestasis appeared to be the cause of the bronze coloration. The clinical course was favourable and the skin coloration returned to normal a few weeks after the end of the phototherapy. It is essential to identify the underlying liver disease in order to determine the prognosis of this syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Congenital / complications*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / therapy
  • Jaundice, Neonatal / etiology
  • Jaundice, Neonatal / therapy*
  • Male
  • Phototherapy / adverse effects*
  • Pigmentation Disorders / etiology*
  • Rh Isoimmunization / complications
  • Syndrome