What is the management of kernicterus?
Kernicterus treatment Babies with high bilirubin levels are often treated with phototherapy, or light therapy. During this treatment, the baby’s bare body is exposed to a special light. The light increases the rate at which the baby’s body breaks down unconjugated bilirubin.
Is kernicterus fatal?
Although the severe hemolytic disease of the newborn is usually the cause of death, many children who barely survive the anemia exhibit permanent mental impairment or damage to motor areas of the brain because of precipitation of bilirubin in the neuronal cells, causing destruction of many, a condition called …
How long does kernicterus last?
If you feed your baby every 2 to 3 hours, mild jaundice will usually go away on its own after a few days. But if your baby has any signs of jaundice, you and your doctor will need to watch him or her closely.
Can you live with kernicterus?
Although the specific effects of kernicterus may vary, the brain damage caused by kernicterus is permanent, and therefore often results in lifelong disability requiring significant care, treatment and financial resources.
How do you know if your baby has kernicterus?
Signs & Symptoms Initial findings associated with kernicterus may vary from case to case, but often include lack of energy (lethargy) or drowsiness, poor feeding habits, fever, a shrill high-pitched cry, and/or absence of certain reflexes (e.g., Moro reflex, etc.).
How does kernicterus cause brain damage?
Kernicterus is a very rare type of brain damage that occurs in a newborn with severe jaundice. It happens when a substance in the blood, called bilirubin, builds up to very high levels and spreads into the brain tissues. This causes permanent brain damage.
How do I know if my baby has kernicterus?
Can hyperbilirubinemia cause brain damage?
High bilirubin levels can cause serious forms of brain damage such as kernicterus disease, cerebral palsy, and encephalopathy. The baby may also have seizures, intellectual disabilities, developmental delays, and hearing and sight problems.
