Simple Test Accurately Predicts Risk Of Serious Jaundice In Newborns Jan 13, 2008
Of those, about 60 percent will develop jaundice in the first few days of life, but only about 1 in 100,000 will develop bilirubin levels that cause brain damage, known as kernicterus. The authors caution that the study has a few limitations, including a small sample size. (Science Daily)
Test all infants for jaundice, doctors say Jun 16, 2007
If undiagnosed or diagnosed too late, those severely jaundiced babies can develop kernicterus, a life-threatening condition affecting the brain and causing long-term neurological damage ... According to the new guidelines, after an initial blood test after birth, babies diagnosed with hyperbilirubinemia (an increase of bilirubin, the yellowy byproduct that results from the breakdown of hemoglobin, and causes jaundice and can lead to kernicterus) would be monitored and, if necessary, treated... (Globe and Mail)
Blue light treats sick Mennonite children May 22, 2007
The doctor told them about bilirubin levels and the dangers of kernicterus, the brain disorder that killed their nephew. Bring the baby back for blood tests every month, the doctor told them. (MSNBC -- Health)
More of this story Mar 7, 2007
Death or serious disability (kernicterus) associated with hyperbilirubinemia in neonates 0. 17. (Linton Daily Citizen, IN)
Baby jaundiceA mother whose daughter died backs calls for screening Jul 22, 2006
Yet her condition, kernicterus, can be prevented if warning signs are spotted and the problem is treated early ... The Chief Medical Officer for England, Sir Liam Donaldson, is asking the government to consider offering a blood test to screen all new babies to check for jaundice that might lead to kernicterus ... " Jackie said that because Olivia had naturally olive skin - being of Indian and South American descent - it was difficult to spot how severe her jaundice was at the beginning. But... (BBC News -- UK)
NHS 'must act to eradicate waste' Jul 22, 2006
SIR LIAM'S KEY POINTS Cut waste and inequity - ensure services are fair, cost effective and evidence-based Pandemic flu - establish a national committee to discuss ethics of pandemic flu care Public health - Protect investment in public health from being used to plug other NHS financial deficits Kernicterus - More checks for this serious disease of the brain related to jaundice in newborn babies Patient safety - Lessons can be learned from the aviation industry. While hysterectomy rates have... (BBC News -- Health)
Liver comes through for Spence Jun 23, 2006
This can occur when it is on-set by kernicterus, which can cause brain damage and severe harm to the nervous system, and can be fatal. "God has his hand on him," Joan Spence said. (Demopolis Times, AL)
Study Shows Newborns With Jaundice At No Greater Risk May 5, 2006
Levels of 30 mg/dL or more can lead to a condition called kernicterus, which can cause deafness, cerebral palsy, brain damage or even death. Kernicterus is rare, however, and little research has been done on infants who have bilirubin levels that are elevated, but below the 30 mg/dL mark. (Science Daily)
Treated Jaundice Not Likely to Leave Lasting Effects May 5, 2006
Levels above 30 mg/Dl are the most likely to cause serious problems, such as kernicterus, which can cause brain damage, hearing loss and cerebral palsy, according to the study. Treatments for high bilirubin levels include making sure the baby is well-hydrated, phototherapy, and, for more serious cases, exchange transfusion. (MEDLINEplus)
Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia — What Are the Risks? May 4, 2006
Acute bilirubin encephalopathy, an uncommon disorder,1 may ensue, frequently evolving into kernicterus, a devastating chronic disabling condition characterized by the clinical tetrad of choreoathetoid cerebral palsy, central neural hearing loss, palsy of the vertical gaze, and tooth enamel hypoplasia as the result of bilirubin-induced cell toxicity. 2. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Children with Elevated Bilirubin Levels May 4, 2006
There were no cases of kernicterus. Neither crude nor adjusted scores on cognitive tests differed significantly between the two groups; on most tests, 95 percent confidence intervals excluded a 3-point (0. (New England Journal of Medicine)
