Bronze baby syndrome P83.82

Rare generalized grayish-brown hyperpigmentation of the skin of unexplained cause in newborns after phototherapy (performed with blue light of wavelength 425-475 nm as therapy of hyperbilirubinemia). Occurs mostly with the less frequent increase in direct serum bilirubin, therefore phototherapy is contraindicated when direct serum bilirubin exceeds 2 mg/dl (Itoh S et al. 2017).

There is probably a bilirubin-induced phototransformation of copper porphyrin. Apparently, the liver of the newborn lacks sufficient amounts of the enzyme biliverdin reductase to metabolize the accumulating pigments.

Cheap. Mostly remission without specific therapy.

1. Itoh S et al (2017) Phototherapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
   Pediatr Int 59: 959-966.
2. Rubaltelli FF, Jori G, Reddi E (1983) Bronze baby syndrome: a new porphyrin-related disorder. Pediatric Res 17: 317-330