Kernicterus is a rare type of brain damage. It occurs in newborns with severe jaundice.

It is caused by very high level of bilirubin in a baby’s blood. If not treated, bilirubin can spread to the brain where it can cause long-term damage. High levels of bilirubin  in the body can cause yellowing of the skin and the white part of the eye (jaundice).

Who is at risk ?

 
Babies at risk of this condition include the following :

• being born early
• having problems with breastfeeding
• having jaundice in the first 24 hours after birth
• having bruises or bleeding on the head as a result of difficult birth
• having an older brother or sister who received light therapy for jaundice

If a baby is very sick or has high levels of bilirubin,  the substance moves out of the blood and collect in the brain tissue. This can lead to serious complications such as brain damage and hearing loss.

Kernicterus  usually occurs in the first week of life but may not be seen until the third week. This condition rarely develops in healthy babies. Babies with Rh hemolytic disease are at high risk for severe jaundice which can lead to this condition.

What are the symptoms of kernicterus ?

 
Symptoms depends on the stage of the disease.

Early stages

• severe jaundice
• poor feeding and sucking
• extreme sleepiness
• no startle reflex in baby
• low muscle tone

 
Mid stage

• high-pitched cry
• bulging fontanelle
• high muscle tone
• seizures

 
Late stage

• intellectual disability
• high frequency hearing loss
• rigidity of the muscle
• difficulties with speech
• movement disorder
• seizures

How is kernicterus treated ?

 
Treatment depends on how old the baby is and if he has any risks  as such prematurity. Treatment includes the following :

• light therapy
• exchange transfusions

 
Long term treatment for brain damage  depends on the child’s specific problem.  Treatment include speech therapy, physical therapy and special education.

You need to get immediate medical attention if  your baby has signs of this disease. It can lead to brain damage, hearing loss and death if left untreated.
 
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