Although it’s very common in newborns, jaundice can quickly trigger more dangerous health issues. Jaundice occurs when bilirubin builds up in the blood, which causes the eyes and skin to turn yellow.
In mild cases, jaundice resolves on its own and doesn’t lead to long-term complications. However, if symptoms are missed or treatment doesn’t start in a timely manner, jaundice can trigger a wide range of very serious and potentially deadly conditions.
Because the severity of the situation can increase rapidly, medical staff must be properly prepared to recognize warning signs and treat active jaundice.
To learn more about the variations of jaundice, visit the dedicated pages below.
Breastfeeding failure jaundice — Also known as suboptimal intake jaundice, when the baby isn’t getting enough milk, bilirubin isn’t flushed out through bowel movements. Instead, it builds up in the bloodstream. Too much bilirubin in the blood can cause permanent brain damage — also known as Kernicterus.
Cholestatic jaundice — Although it’s a very rare type of jaundice, cholestatic jaundice requires immediate, attentive care. The condition occurs when bile cannot flow properly from the liver, leading to a buildup of bilirubin.
Hemolytic jaundice — A mostly mild form of jaundice, hemolytic jaundice can cause severe injuries if left untreated. There are several ways a newborn may develop hemolytic jaundice, which is why it’s so critical that medical staff are prepared to spot the warning signs and act fast to treat the baby.
Pathological jaundice — A very dangerous condition, pathological jaundice can be triggered in several ways. Long-term injury can result from pathological jaundice, including brain damage, developmental issues, mental/physical disabilities, and more.
While medical staff can’t prevent your newborn from developing jaundice, how they respond and treat the baby can make all the difference in the severity of the case. Delivery rooms can quickly become chaotic, but staff must still be able to properly care for you and your baby.
If your newborn has been diagnosed with jaundice and is showing signs of brain damage, developmental delays, or other serious complications, you need to contact Weisser Law today. Our staff of experts has decades of experience in delivery rooms and will review your case to ensure your child wasn’t harmed by a staff member’s mistake.
When your health and future are at risk, experience matters. Weisser Law fights relentlessly to restore our clients’ dignity while securing their future. Contact our expert legal team today so you can focus on recovery, and we’ll focus on accountability.