Signs Of Kernicterus Article

	1888 Articles Home \| Legal Articles \| Personal Issues Articles	Legal RSS
Signs of Kernicterus

About 60% of babies have jaundice when they are born. Jaundice causes the skin and the whites of the eyes to look yellow. When the red blood cells wear down, the skin changes color and jaundice can transpire, and bilirubin, a brownish yellow substance found in bile, is left.

Author: Sara Goldstein

Article Tools:

Normally, the liver removes bilirubin from the body but when a newborn’s liver is not fully developed, it is unable to remove the toxin. When too much bilirubin builds up in a new baby's body, it causes jaundice.

If jaundice is left untreated for too long, the child is at risk for developing kernicterus, which can permanent brain damage as well as hearing loss, vision problems, cerebral palsy and teeth problems. In some cases, the child suffers mental retardation. Untreated jaundice can be the result of medical malpractice.
However, even if your baby has jaundice, it does not mean that they will have brain damage. Most of the time, the jaundice will clear up on its’ own but it is important to recognize the signs:

• Yellow or orange skin
• Hard to wake up or will not sleep at all
• Will not breastfeed or suck from a bottle
• Is constantly fussy
• Has jaundice in the first 24 hours after birth
• Has an abnormally high-pitched cry
• Has bruises or bleeding on the head from a difficult birth
• Has poor muscle tone
• Is born more than two weeks before the due date

If you think your child has severe jaundice or is showing signs of kernicterus, you need to see your doctor immediately. They can order blood bilirubin tests to check the baby’s levels but first they should be started on phototherapy. Phototherapy involves specials lights placed on the infant to help lower their bilirubin levels. In extreme cases, blood exchange transfusions are necessary.
If your child has suffered from an injury at birth and you live in the Dallas, Texas area, please visit the website of Polewski Law P.C. to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss the details of your case.

About Author

If you have been involved in an accident, contact Polewski and Associates to review your case.
Polewski and Associates have practiced personal injury law exclusively for over 20 years in the Dallas, Texas area. We help injured victims obtain the compensation they deserve as a result of the negligence of a third party.

Article Source: http://www.1888articles.com/author-sara-goldstein-4751.html

Signs of Kernicterus