Bilirubin is a brownish-yellow substance found in bile. When the liver breaks down old red blood cells, it produces bilirubin. This substance is then removed from the body through the stool. Too much bilirubin in the system of a newly born baby can cause brain damage, by what is called kernicterus. Other problems from an elevated bilirubin level may include physical abnormalities, eye movement problems, hearing loss, mental retardation, and even death. Bilirubin levels that are high can cause the whites of the eyes and skin to appear yellow or jaundiced.
There is treatment for newborns that develop jaundice, and that is using blood transfusion or phototherapy (which involves using special lights to reduce the jaundice). For example, to treat hyperbilirubinemia, newborn babies need to be placed under bilirubin lights for treatment. The baby's eyes are shielded to prevent damage from the lights.
Although it is common for newborns to have elevated bilirubin levels, once the liver begins to mature, the bilirubin levels should become normal as the extra red blood cells are broken down and removed from the body. Failure to treat elevated bilirubin levels may result in a rare type of brain damage known as kernicterus. The bilirubin left untreated can spread to the brain, where it will cause long-term damage to the child. This is one reason why it is important to treat jaundice before the bilirubin levels become too high.
Symptoms of kernicterus include:
- An abnormally high pitched cry
- Poor muscle tone, such as unusual muscle flexing
- A fever
- Seizures
- Extreme lethargy and sleepiness
A doctor can diagnose kernicterus with a physical exam, including blood tests. Through the proper recognition, testing, and treatment, kernicterus can be prevented. If your child has developed kernicterus, you should consider retaining the services of a child attorney medical malpractice specialist, who deals with medical malpractice. Dr. Bruce Fagel is both a medical malpractice attorney and a licensed medical doctor. This combination gives Dr. Fagel the ability to examine the medical records and review the medical history to determine if medical negligence or medical malpractice was the cause of kernicterus or a birth injury. Each state has a different statute of limitations, which limits the amount of time a family can bring forth a medical malpractice case, so time is of the essence in filing a claim if medical negligence has occurred.
