Kernicterus

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Kernicterus Brain Damage

Kernicterus brain damage can be a nightmare for new parents. Many babies have jaundice at birth, but if the jaundice goes untreated for too long, kernicterus brain damage can develop, and it can result in a baby suffering hearing loss, vision and dental problems, mental retardation, or cerebral palsy .

From Untreated Jaundice

Jaundice develops when too many of a baby's red blood cells are breaking down and his or her liver isn't developed enough to remove all of the bilirubin, a yellowish-green substance formed by the red blood cells' breakdown. With too much bilirubin, a baby's skin and eyes may take on a yellow tone. Most of the time, a baby with jaundice gets better with no treatment. Phototherapy (blue light) may be necessary, and a transfusion of new blood is the next option.

A Resurgence of Kernicterus Brain Damage

Kernicterus was fairly common in the U.S. before the 1970s, but the development of phototherapy virtually eliminated the incidence of kernicterus brain damage. A study of the medical literature from around the world found only one case of kernicterus between 1973 and 1982. However, a later revision of guidelines for pediatricians stated that babies' bilirubin levels could safely be higher than was previously thought.

This revision may have come at a bad time. Kernicterus cases have been on the rise, perhaps because with more stringent policies from health insurance companies, hospital stays after birth were cut from five days to one or two days. Babies are being sent home sooner, and their jaundice may go unnoticed and unmonitored.

Kernicterus Symptoms

If your baby is experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact your pediatrician immediately and ask to see him or her the same day:

Your baby is very yellow or orange (the skin color changes start from the baby's head and spread to the toes)
It's hard to wake up your baby, or your baby won't go to sleep at all
Your baby is not breastfeeding or sucking from a bottle
The baby is very fussy
The baby doesn't have at least four wet or soiled diapers in a 24-hour period

Talk to a Kernicterus Brain Damage Lawyer

If your baby has suffered from untreated jaundice, contact a lawyer who represents kernicterus brain damage victims and their families. Your medical bills and other losses may be eligible for monetary compensation.

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Kernicterus

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Kernicterus Brain Damage

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