A rare but preventable type of brain damage, kernicterus happens when dangerously high bilirubin levels in a newborn are treated quickly. Bilirubin is the yellow pigment that causes newborn jaundice, and too much of it can injure brain tissue.
Some injuries are minor and improve without major issues. Others can require a lifetime of treatmentand may seriously impact the victim’s quality of life.
Symptoms
While most cases of jaundice are mild, in severe cases, newborns can suffer serious injuries that can also become lifelong concerns. Mild signs of jaundice — which can trigger kernicterus when they become severe enough — include yellowing of the newborn’s eyes and skin. As the case worsens, parents may notice these signs of kernicterus.
- High-pitched cry
- Poor sucking
- Limpness or stiffness
- Arching of the neck or body
- Hearing loss
- Vision problems
- Unusual sleepiness
- The baby is hard to wake
What causes Kernicterus?
Kernicterus occurs when very high bilirubin levels go unrecognized in a newborn. This may involve the levels rising too quickly or too high, and it is especially dangerous in the first week of life.
Bilirubin levels can increase for several reasons. This can include incompatibility with blood types, red blood cell breakdown, or inherited risks. Premature babies are especially at risk, as they may not process bilirubin efficiently.
If a newborn has jaundice, feeding issues and dehydration can make the condition worse, increasing the risk of kernicterus.
Serious injuries caused by Kernicterus
In severe cases, kernicterus causes permanent neurological damage, which may come with a range of issues. In minor cases, the victim may experience involuntary movements and problems with muscle tone, which can also involve coordination difficulties and trouble controlling posture.
Problems with hearing and vision have also been linked to kernicterus, which can impact the child as it grows. If the case of kernicterus is serious enough, those problems can last a lifetime.
Some children may also develop cognitive or developmental challenges that can affect their growth. Because these injuries can be so serious to the newborn’s long-term health, preventing severe jaundice from causing kernicterus is a priority for medical staff.
How can medical malpractice make Kernicterus worse?
Most cases of kernicterus are preventable if healthcare providers properly prepare for and treat cases of jaundice. Medical staff must perform a proper risk assessment for the possibility of jaundice, including testing bilirubin levels. If jaundice is diagnosed, proper monitoring, timely treatment, and thorough follow-up assessments must be conducted.
Negligence can include failing to order bilirubin testing when the newborn is visibly jaundiced. Staff may also dismiss parents’ concerns or rely solely on the baby’s skin color to determine the severity of jaundice. If staff fail to provide timely treatment, it can increase the risk of brain injury.
When it’s time for the newborn to go home, not having a proper plan in place can lead to significant issues. The healthcare team should ensure there are clear instructions for monitoring the newborn. That includes not arranging proper follow-up care for infants at risk of developing kernicterus.
These preventable mistakes can cause the baby to have too much bilirubin, which can have catastrophic consequences.
If your newborn has been diagnosed with kernicterus or you believe a medical mistake caused a possible case of kernicterus, you need to contact Weisser Law today. We will thoroughly examine your medical records and dig deep to determine what went wrong and why.
At Weisser Law, your traumatic experience isn’t just another case or more paperwork. Your life and future are at stake, and you deserve a legal team that understands how critical it is to hold accountable those who hurt you. Contact us today for your free, no-pressure consultation. Weisser Law, where we put people over profits.