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In this Article

• What causes jaundice?
• What are some of the signs and symptoms of jaundice?
• Are some babies more likely to be jaundice?
• Does jaundice always cause a problem?
• What is kernicterus?
• Who can develop kernicterus?
• What are some warning signs and symptoms of kernicterus?
• Can jaundice be treated and prevent kernicterus from developing?
• How is jaundice treated?
• What should I do if I think my baby has jaundice?
• Is there a support group for parents of children with kernicterus?
• What does the American Academy of Pediatrics say about jaundice?
• Kernicterus Glossary
• Kernicterus Index

Does jaundice always cause a problem?

Many babies have some jaundice. Jaundice can develop when red blood cells break down and bilirubin is left. It is normal for some red blood cells to die every day. In the womb, the mother's liver removes bilirubin for the baby, but after birth the baby's liver must remove the bilirubin. In some babies, the liver might not be developed enough to efficiently get rid of bilirubin. When too much bilirubin builds up in a new baby's body, the skin and whites of the eyes might look yellow. This yellow coloring is called jaundice. The yellow color does not hurt the baby's skin, but the bilirubin goes to the brain as well as to the skin. When severe jaundice goes untreated for too long, it can cause brain damage and a condition called 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.

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.

What are some warning signs and symptoms of kernicterus?

Ask your pediatrician to see your baby the day you call, if your baby:

• Is very yellow or orange (skin color changes start from the head and spread to the toes)
  
  
• Is hard to wake up or will not sleep at all
  
  
• Is not breastfeeding or sucking from a bottle well
  
  
• Is very fussy
  
  
• Does not have at least 4 wet or dirty diapers in 24 hours