Medical Malpractice: A failure to diagnose and treat hyperbilirubinemia
The Risk of Brain Damage from Neonatal Jaundice
Jaundice in newborns is a common condition. It is caused by the build up of bilirubin in the baby’s body. Bilirubin is a yellow-orange pigment produced by the breakdown of red blood cells.
In severe cases, it can lead to a serious complication called neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. When bilirubin levels are very high, it can cross the blood-brain barrier and deposit in the brain cells, causing irreversible damage called kernicterus. Kernicterus is a type of brain damage caused by the buildup of bilirubin in the brain.
Symptoms of Kernicterus:
- Early Signs: Lethargy, poor feeding, high-pitched cry, muscle weakness, and poor muscle tone.
- Later Signs: Hearing loss, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, and intellectual disability.
Risk Factors for Kernicterus:
- High Bilirubin Levels: Very high bilirubin levels in the blood pose the greatest risk.
- Prematurity: Premature babies are at increased risk due to immature liver function.
- Blood Type Incompatibility: If the mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive, there’s a risk of blood incompatibility, which can lead to excessive red blood cell breakdown and high bilirubin levels.
- Certain Infections: Some infections can increase the risk of severe jaundice.
Prevention and Treatment:
- Early Detection: Regular checkups by a pediatrician are crucial for early detection of jaundice.
- Phototherapy: This is the primary treatment for jaundice and is very effective in reducing bilirubin levels.
- Exchange Transfusion: In severe cases, an exchange transfusion may be necessary to quickly remove bilirubin from the blood.
Importance of Early Intervention:
Early detection and treatment of neonatal jaundice are critical to prevent kernicterus. If you have any concerns about your baby’s well-being from a failure to treat hyperbilirubinemia, contact your pediatrician or go to a children’s hospital immediately.
Contact Atlanta Medical Malpractice Attorneys at The Moses Firm
If your children or loved one has suffered brain damage from a failure to diagnose or treat hyperbilirubinemia that has caused brain damage, contact the top medical malpractice lawyers from Atlanta, Georgia, at The Moses Firm. We have the expertise and experience to help you.
