The Causes of Kernicterus

June 28, 2009

Both kernicterus and jaundice are caused by bilirubin. In most humans, the liver filters out the bilirubin, preventing any harmful side effects from developing.

MT.LAUREL, NJ, June 28, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Kernicterus is a form of brain damage caused by high levels of bilirubin in newborn babies. Bilirubin is a substance created from the breakdown of dead red blood cells. Bilirubin causes the skin to look yellow and may lead to the development of jaundice. Jaundice is a common condition in babies and is usually harmless. However, if the bilirubin levels in your baby's blood get too high, it may cause brain damage.

Kernicterus and Jaundice

Both kernicterus and jaundice are caused by bilirubin. In most humans, the liver filters out the bilirubin, preventing any harmful side effects from developing. For some newborns, their liver cannot eliminate of all of the bilirubin, causing it to build up in the bloodstream. This may cause your baby's skin to look yellow. Usually, over a short period of time, the liver gets strong enough to remove bilirubin from the blood. At that point, the jaundice goes away.

If a large number of red blood cells die, there could be a dangerous amount of bilirubin left in the blood. Your baby's skin could turn a dark yellow or even orange color. This is a sign that the jaundice could be turning into kernicterus. If not treated promptly, kernicterus can cause serious permanent brain damage in your baby.

Kernicterus and Medical Mistakes

Kernicterus is preventable. If a newborn shows signs of jaundice, the parent often takes the child to the doctor for treatment. Unfortunately, many doctors make medical errors which lead to a baby developing kernicterus. Some common errors include:

-Questioning lab results - A doctor might not believe the bilirubin levels in a child's test results and order a second test. Instead of taking the precaution of treating the child, the doctor waits for the second test result and the kernicterus occurs or gets worse.
-Not examining the baby - A doctor might see the jaundice and assume it will go away on its own without checking for signs of kernicterus.
-Stopping phototherapy - Sometimes doctors check to see if a child should have a blood exchange to clear out the bilirubin. If the doctor stops phototherapy, used to treat jaundice, then kernicterus can occur or get worse.
-Using indirect bilirubin instead of total serum bilirubin - Indirect bilirubin can cause the bilirubin in a child's blood to be displaced and enter the brain tissue.
-Not comparing the bilirubin to hour specific norms - A newborn who is 27 hours old would have a different risk zone than a child who is 14 hours old. A doctor needs to make certain the bilirubin level is safe for the specific hourly age of a baby.

If your doctor has made any of these errors causing kernicterus in your child, the doctor may be held liable for medical malpractice. It is important to consult an experienced attorney who can help you receive compensation for your child's injuries.

If you live in New Jersey or Pennsylvania and believe your child suffered from kernicterus due to a medical error, please contact the attorneys at Weiss & Paarz, P.C. today.

Source: Weiss & Paarz, P.C.
Website: http://www.njmedlaw.com

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