Final answer:
Crigler-Najjar syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the liver's ability to process bilirubin, leading to high levels of bilirubin in the blood. It can cause symptoms such as jaundice and neurological problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Crigler-Najjar syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the liver's ability to process a pigment called bilirubin. In this disorder, there is a deficiency in the enzyme UDP glucuronyl transferase, which is responsible for converting bilirubin into a form that can be excreted from the body. As a result, bilirubin builds up in the bloodstream, leading to a condition called hyperbilirubinemia.
In Type I Crigler-Najjar syndrome, there is a complete absence of UDP glucuronyl transferase activity, leading to extremely high levels of bilirubin in the blood. This can cause severe symptoms such as jaundice, lethargy, and neurological problems. Type II Crigler-Najjar syndrome, on the other hand, still allows some bilirubin to be converted, but not enough to prevent buildup in the blood.