Kernicterus

Parent's Guide to Crying and Colic Slideshow Parenting and Healthy Eating Slideshow Parenting - Fitness and Exercise Slideshow

• What is kernicterus?
• Who can develop kernicterus?
• Does jaundice always cause a problem?
• Are some babies more likely to be jaundiced?
  • Bruising
  • Preterm babies
  • Feeding
  • Early Jaundice
  • Heredity
• What are some warning signs of kernicterus?
• Can jaundice be treated and prevent kernicterus from developing?
• What should I do if I think my baby has jaundice?
• Is there a support group for parents of children with kernicterus?

What is kernicterus?

Kernicterus is a type of brain damage that causes athetoid cerebral palsy and hearing loss. It also causes problems with vision and teeth and sometimes can cause mental retardation. In some newborn babies, the liver makes too much yellow pigment called bilirubin. When too much bilirubin builds up in a new baby's body, the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. This yellow coloring is called jaundice. Jaundice is very common in newborn babies and usually goes away by itself. A little jaundice is not a problem, but a few babies have too much jaundice. If not treated, high levels of bilirubin can damage the brain. 

Who can develop kernicterus?

Any baby with untreated jaundice is at risk for kernicterus. This does not mean that every baby with yellow skin will have brain damage. Most babies with jaundice get better by themselves. If their skin is very yellow, they might need phototherapy treatment. If phototherapy does not lower the baby's bilirubin levels, the baby may need an exchange transfusion.

Does jaundice always cause a problem?/a>

Many babies have some jaundice . When they are a few days old, their skin slowly begins to turn yellow. The yellow color comes from the color of bilirubin. When red blood cells die, they break down and bilirubin is left. It is normal for some of the red blood cells to die everyday. The red blood cells break down and make bilirubin. In newborns, the liver may not be developed enough to get rid of so much bilirubin at once. So, if too many red blood cells die at the same time, the baby can become very yellow or may even look orange. The yellow color does not hurt the baby's skin, but the bilirubin goes to the brain as well as to the skin. That can lead to brain damage.