A birth is one of life’s most joyous and precious moments. It’s a time filled with hope, excitement, and dreams for the future. However, for some newborns, that future can be threatened by a condition that, with the proper care, is entirely preventable. Kernicterus is a rare but severe complication of untreated jaundice in newborns. In this guide, we’ll discuss the advanced and early signs of kernicterus, the risks, and the preventive methods to ensure the health and well-being of newborns.
What is Kernicterus?
Kernicterus is a type of brain damage caused by untreated jaundice. It occurs when high levels of bilirubin, also known as hyperbilirubinemia, are produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. This excess amount of bilirubin enters the brain, causing permanent damage. While mild jaundice is common and often harmless, untreated or severe jaundice can escalate to kernicterus, affecting brain cells and leading to long-term complications.
Signs of Kernicterus
Identifying kernicterus early can save a child from lifelong complications. The signs can be grouped into early and advanced symptoms:
Early Signs:
- Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes: The most common and noticeable sign of jaundice in newborns is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. This usually becomes evident within the first few days after birth. If jaundice worsens or remains untreated, it can lead to kernicterus.
- Lethargy and Poor Feeding: Newborns with high bilirubin levels may become lethargic or excessively sleepy, making them less interested in feeding. It can further exacerbate jaundice as the baby may not be feeding enough to flush out excess bilirubin.
- High-Pitched Crying: Kernicterus affects the baby’s nervous system, causing an abnormal crying pattern. A shrill, piercing cry may indicate distress.
Advanced Signs:
- Muscle Rigidity or Floppiness: Babies may exhibit either stiffness or extreme floppiness in their muscles, making it difficult for them to move their limbs or even their heads properly.
- Seizures: As bilirubin levels reach critical levels, the baby may experience seizures, which can be a sign of brain damage caused by kernicterus. Seizures in newborns require immediate medical intervention.
- Developmental Delays: If left untreated, kernicterus can lead to delayed milestones, hearing loss, or intellectual disabilities.
Risk Factors for Kernicterus
Certain conditions make some newborns more vulnerable to kernicterus:
- Premature Birth: Preterm babies often have underdeveloped livers, making it harder to process bilirubin.
- Blood Type Incompatibility: Conditions like Rh or ABO incompatibility can cause rapid breakdown of red blood cells, increasing bilirubin levels.
- Breastfeeding Challenges: Difficult breastfeeding or low milk supply can prevent sufficient hydration, slowing the removal of bilirubin.
- Infections: Infections during pregnancy or in the newborn can increase jaundice risk.
- Genetic Disorders: Some babies have inherited conditions affecting bilirubin metabolism, such as Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
How Kernicterus Can Be Prevented
The good news is that kernicterus is entirely preventable with early detection and care.
- Routine Monitoring: Healthcare providers should check bilirubin levels before newborns leave the hospital. Follow-up care is essential, especially for high-risk babies.
- Phototherapy: This treatment uses blue light to break down bilirubin, allowing the baby to eliminate it naturally.
- Adequate Feeding: Regular breastfeeding or formula feeding helps flush bilirubin from the body. For mothers facing breastfeeding challenges, lactation support can make a difference.
- Exchange Transfusion: In severe cases, replacing the baby’s blood with healthy donor blood can rapidly reduce bilirubin levels.
Final Words
Doctors can prevent kernicterus with early recognition of the signs of jaundice and timely intervention. Unfortunately, suppose a healthcare provider fails to screen the conditions. In that case, it is medical negligence for which you can file a claim. If you feel your newborn is a victim of medical negligence, do not hesitate to consult a birth injury lawyer to seek justice.