Bronze baby syndrome is a rare complication seen in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia who are being treated with phototherapy. Affected neonates develop gray-brown skin, serum, and urine within a week of initiation of phototherapy. All neonates with bronze baby syndrome have hyperbilirubinemia necessitating phototherapy, and most have concomitant liver dysfunction.
The exact cause of the gray-brown discoloration in bronze baby syndrome is uncertain. Products may accumulate as a result of poor excretion secondary to liver dysfunction.
The discoloration presents after exposure to phototherapy and fades after phototherapy is discontinued. Many affected infants have no sequelae. Others develop kernicterus. Fatalities have been reported.
Bronze baby syndrome
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Codes
ICD10CM:
P83.88 – Other specified conditions of integument specific to newborn
SNOMEDCT:
206553008 – Bronze baby
P83.88 – Other specified conditions of integument specific to newborn
SNOMEDCT:
206553008 – Bronze baby
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Carbon baby syndrome – Also known as universal acquired melanosis; refers to diffuse hyperpigmentation caused by increased melanin in the epidermis and melanophages in the papillary dermis.
- Cyanosis – Blue discoloration that can be secondary to cardiac abnormalities, pulmonary abnormalities, polycythemia, methemoglobinemia, or hypothermia.
- Gray baby syndrome – Seen in neonates exposed to chloramphenicol. Often fatal from associated shock.
- Jaundice – Yellow or yellow-brown discoloration.
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Last Updated:02/03/2022
Bronze baby syndrome