Kernicterus, Severe Jaundice, and High Levels of Bilirubin in a Newborn Baby from Medical Malpractice
by
Bruce Fagel on Apr. 30, 2012
Accident & Injury Medical Malpractice Accident & Injury Wrongful Death
Summary: In order to better understand kernicterus, we must understand the underlying causes which lead to the condition. If too much bilirubin builds up in a baby it can result in serious injuries to the infant, including brain damage (kernicterus).
Kernicterus is a rare form of brain damage that occurs in some newly born infants with severe jaundice. Kernicterus can occur if hyperbilirubinemia is not treated and the excess bilirubin moves from the blood into the brain tissues where it causes permanent brain damage to the baby.
In order to better understand kernicterus, we must understand the underlying causes which lead to the condition. Bilirubin is a substance found in bile that is created when the newborn’s liver breaks down old red blood cells. It is then removed from the body through the stool. When bilirubin levels increase, jaundice may occur. Jaundice can be caused by a blockage of the tubes that allow bile to pass from the liver to the small intestine, blood disorders, or liver disease. If too much bilirubin builds up, or what is known as hyperbilirubinemia, it can result in serious injuries to the infant, including brain damage (kernicterus), damage to muscles that control eye movement, hearing loss, physical abnormalities, developmental delays, and even death.
If there is an elevation in the level of bilirubin in a newborn, this is generally not a serious problem. In fact, just under half of all newborn infants have elevated bilirubin levels because the liver in newborns is not mature enough to break down the extra red blood cells the babies are born with. However, if there is a dramatic increase in bilirubin levels and the hyperbilirubinemia is not treated quickly and properly, it can cause serious and permanent injuries to the baby, and even result in death.
It’s important to note that kernicterus can be prevented. Newborn babies who develop jaundice can be treated by phototherapy or a blood transfusion to lower their bilirubin levels. Hyperbilirubinemia must be treated before the bilirubin can enter the brain tissues and cause kernicterus. Once this has begun, brain damage is already happening. It is critical if this is happening, that parents take their baby to the doctor for treatment immediately before further brain damage results.
Warning signs that kernicterus has occurred:
If your baby has kernicterus, medical malpractice may be responsible. You should immediately consult with the best kernicterus attorney possible, such as Dr. Bruce Fagel. Contact the Law Offices of Dr. Bruce G. Fagel & Associates at (800) 541-9376. You can also view Kernicterus Video for an informative video about kernicterus featuring Dr. Fagel.
Visit us on Facebook and Twitter:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birthinjury
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fagellaw
In order to better understand kernicterus, we must understand the underlying causes which lead to the condition. Bilirubin is a substance found in bile that is created when the newborn’s liver breaks down old red blood cells. It is then removed from the body through the stool. When bilirubin levels increase, jaundice may occur. Jaundice can be caused by a blockage of the tubes that allow bile to pass from the liver to the small intestine, blood disorders, or liver disease. If too much bilirubin builds up, or what is known as hyperbilirubinemia, it can result in serious injuries to the infant, including brain damage (kernicterus), damage to muscles that control eye movement, hearing loss, physical abnormalities, developmental delays, and even death.
If there is an elevation in the level of bilirubin in a newborn, this is generally not a serious problem. In fact, just under half of all newborn infants have elevated bilirubin levels because the liver in newborns is not mature enough to break down the extra red blood cells the babies are born with. However, if there is a dramatic increase in bilirubin levels and the hyperbilirubinemia is not treated quickly and properly, it can cause serious and permanent injuries to the baby, and even result in death.
It’s important to note that kernicterus can be prevented. Newborn babies who develop jaundice can be treated by phototherapy or a blood transfusion to lower their bilirubin levels. Hyperbilirubinemia must be treated before the bilirubin can enter the brain tissues and cause kernicterus. Once this has begun, brain damage is already happening. It is critical if this is happening, that parents take their baby to the doctor for treatment immediately before further brain damage results.
Warning signs that kernicterus has occurred:
- The baby is excessively sleepy and lethargic
- The baby does not wake up easily. Once the baby is awake, he or she can’t stay awake
- The baby has a high pitched cry that sounds different than normal
- The baby does not respond to touching
- The baby has an arched back and the neck is hyper extended backwards
- The baby suffers from seizures
- There is a fever
If your baby has kernicterus, medical malpractice may be responsible. You should immediately consult with the best kernicterus attorney possible, such as Dr. Bruce Fagel. Contact the Law Offices of Dr. Bruce G. Fagel & Associates at (800) 541-9376. You can also view Kernicterus Video for an informative video about kernicterus featuring Dr. Fagel.
Visit us on Facebook and Twitter:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birthinjury
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fagellaw
