Kernicterus: A Serious Health Condition for Newborns

Kernicterus: A Serious Complication of Jaundice in Newborns

Introduction

Kernicterus is a medical condition that occurs when a newborn baby’s brain is damaged by bilirubin, a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells break down. Bilirubin is normally removed from the body through the liver, but in newborns, the liver is not fully developed and cannot handle high levels of bilirubin. If bilirubin levels become too high, it can cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain, where it can cause damage to the delicate brain cells.

Kernicterus is a serious condition that can lead to lifelong disabilities, including:

• Cerebral palsy
• Hearing loss
• Intellectual disability
• Seizures
• Vision problems

The good news is that kernicterus can be prevented by early diagnosis and treatment of jaundice.

Causes of Kernicterus

The most common cause of kernicterus is jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. Jaundice is caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a waste product that is produced when red blood cells break down. In newborns, the liver is not fully developed and cannot handle high levels of bilirubin. This can lead to jaundice.

Other factors that can increase the risk of kernicterus include:

• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Blood type incompatibility between mother and baby
• Certain genetic conditions

Symptoms of Kernicterus

The symptoms of kernicterus can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Mild cases of kernicterus may only cause subtle signs, such as:

• Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
• Lethargy
• Poor feeding

More severe cases of kernicterus can cause:

• Seizures
• Bulging fontanelles (soft spots on the baby’s head)
• High-pitched cry
• Opisthotonos (arching of the back)

Diagnosis of Kernicterus

Kernicterus is diagnosed based on the baby’s symptoms and a physical examination. The doctor may also order blood tests to measure bilirubin levels. A transcranial bilirubinometer (TcB) is a non-invasive device that can be used to measure bilirubin levels in the brain.

Treatment of Kernicterus

The treatment for kernicterus depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases of kernicterus may only require phototherapy, which is a treatment that uses light to break down bilirubin. More severe cases of kernicterus may require exchange transfusion, which is a procedure that removes bilirubin from the baby’s blood.

Prevention of Kernicterus

Kernicterus can be prevented by early diagnosis and treatment of jaundice. All newborns should be screened for jaundice within 24 hours of birth. Babies with jaundice should be monitored closely and may need phototherapy or exchange transfusion to prevent kernicterus.

Prognosis

The prognosis for kernicterus depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases of kernicterus may only cause subtle disabilities, while more severe cases can lead to lifelong disabilities. Early diagnosis and treatment of kernicterus can improve the prognosis.

Conclusion

Kernicterus is a serious condition that can lead to lifelong disabilities. However, kernicterus can be prevented by early diagnosis and treatment of jaundice. All newborns should be screened for jaundice within 24 hours of birth. Babies with jaundice should be monitored closely and may need phototherapy or exchange transfusion to prevent kernicterus.