Chronic Idiopathic Hyperbilirubinemia and Parkinson's Disease
Topic Suggestion
1. What is the decision or change you are facing or struggling with where a summary of the evidence would be helpful?
I am interested in seeing if there is a relationship between chronic idiopathic hyperbilirubinemia in young individuals and Parkinson’s Disease later in life.
2. Why are you struggling with this issue?
I am currently a [redacted] who was diagnosed with hyperbilirubinemia several years ago. My elevated bilirubin levels are asymptomatic, the only reason they were detected was because I began taking Truvada for PrEP several years ago and when my blood work came back, the elevated lab values were noted. I am currently pursuing my Doctor of Physical Therapy at [redacted] School of Medicine and I found something that sparked my interest. When learning about conditions that typically affect the neonatal and pre-mature birth population, I was looking over information pertaining to Jaundice. It was noted that Jaundice can become problematic in that when too much bilirubin enters the bloodstream, it accumulates in the Basal Ganglia of the brain, which can lead to slow, involuntary, convoluted withering movements, more commonly referred to as athetosis. This conditions is called Kernicterus.
When looking at the symptoms of Kernicterus in infants, the symptoms are quite similar to Parkinson’s Disease in older adults. Currently, the only research I have been able to find about hyperbilirubinemia and it’s relationship to Parkinson’s Disease is that newly diagnosed PD patients have elevated bilirubin levels. Now is this because the Parkinson’s caused this, or is it because these patients had asymptomatic hyperbilirubinemia their entire adult lives and this is just now being seen because of the Parkinson’s symptoms concerning movement becoming evident? What if people like myself [redacted] who have asymptomatic hyperbilirubinemia and these chronic elevated levels (while not quite the level of being diagnosed Jaundice), over years could eventually build up to small levels in the Basal Ganglia, which overtime could one day lead to Parkinson’s. If this is the case, Parkinson’s Disease could be prevented. My grandfather also has a history of Parkinson’s Disease, which makes me question if this is why I inherited this trait of hyperbilirubinemia.
3. What do you want to see changed? How will you know that your issue is improving or has been addressed?
If this subject could be investigated and potentially the cause of Parkinson’s Disease could be found, individuals who have hyperbilirubinemia throughout their young adults lives could take enzymes to lower bilirubin and prevent themselves from being subjected to Parkinson’s Disease later in life.
4. When do you need the evidence report?
Mon, 01/01/2024
5. What will you do with the evidence report?
If this can be determined, I would talk to my doctor about taking enzymes to lower my bilirubin levels.
(Optional) About You
What is your role or perspective?
Doctor of Physical Therapy Student
If you are you making a suggestion on behalf of an organization, please state the name of the organization:
May we contact you if we have questions about your nomination?
Yes
Title: Doctor of Physical Therapy Student
