Kernicterus

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Kernicterus and Sulfonamides

A link between kernicterus and sulfonamides use has been established in clinical studies. Sulfonamides are a class of antibiotics. They've been used to treat urinary tract infections, conjunctivitis, toxoplasmosis, and malaria. A particular sulfonamide, sulfamethoxazole, is used in the products Bactrim, Gantanol, and Septra.

Devastating Consequences

Kernicterus is a dangerous condition in which untreated jaundice results in a buildup of bilirubin, the by-product made when an infant's red blood cells are breaking down because his or her liver isn't developed adequately. The excess bilirubin can cause serious injury to an infant, including:

brain damage
mental retardation
vision problems
hearing loss
cerebral palsy

Sulfonamides During Pregnancy

The association between kernicterus and sulfonamides has been observed in pregnant women who are near term (the ninth month of pregnancy). A pregnant woman's use of a sulfonamide may cause bilirubin to be displaced in her baby's blood, leading to kernicterus. Sulfonamides are therefore not usually prescribed to women in the later trimester of pregnancy.

As is the danger with many drugs, sometimes a woman is taking a drug that may be harmful to her unborn child, at a point in time when she does not yet know that she is pregnant. If you have been treated with a sulfonamide at any point in your pregnancy, you should tell your obstetrician/gynecologist about it. This is true of all prescription drugs that you've used or been treated with in the past year — tell your Ob/Gyn about them.

Sulfonamides and Breastfeeding

A kernicterus-sulfonamides link has also been observed in women who are breastfeeding their infants. Sulfamethoxazole is excreted from a mother's breast milk, and should therefore not be used by women who are nursing.

If Your Baby Has Jaundice

If your newborn has jaundice (yellow-toned skin, yellowing of the eyes), make sure that your pediatrician knows about it — immediately. If the jaundice developed after you took your baby home from the hospital, call your pediatrician right away, and demand to have a bilirubin test done.

Contact an Attorney Who Knows about Kernicterus and Sulfonamides

If you suspect that your baby's kernicterus is linked to sulfonamides, contact a medical malpractice attorney who is familiar with the kernicterus/sulfonamides link. You may be eligible to receive monetary compensation for your medical bills and other costs.

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Kernicterus

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Kernicterus and Sulfonamides

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