B3606 - Genetic determinants of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia - 25/08/2020

B number: 
B3606
Principal applicant name: 
Connie Bezzina | Amsterdam UMC (The Netherlands)
Co-applicants: 
Najim Lahrouchi
Title of project: 
Genetic determinants of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia
Proposal summary: 

Neonatal jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the eyes and skin in a newborn baby as a consequence of high bilirubin levels. While jaundice in most newborn is normal, a subset of patients with elevated bilirubin levels may develop excess sleepiness or poor feeding, whereas patients with excessive bilirubin levels are at risk for severe brain damage. In this project we aim to identify genetic risk factors for the development of high bilirubin levels in the newborn. This information can aid in risk prediction and the onset of early treatment for hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn.

Impact of research: 
If an association is found between genetic variants and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, this finding would (1) provide an inroad for future risk prediction of hyperbilirubinemia and (2) has the potential to uncover novel biological pathways that play a role in hyperbilirubinemia.
Date proposal received: 
Tuesday, 25 August, 2020
Date proposal approved: 
Tuesday, 25 August, 2020
Keywords: 
Genetics, Hyperbilirubinemia, GWAS, Genetic epidemiology, Genetics, Genomics, Genome wide association study