When a newborn baby has a condition called jaundice, it’s crucial for doctors and healthcare professionals to monitor them closely to prevent the development of kernicterus. Kernicterus occurs when bilirubin levels in the baby’s blood become dangerously high, leading to severe complications that may cause permanent damage.

Bilirubin is a waste product resulting from the breakdown of red blood cells. Kernicterus is typically diagnosed through a physical examination and various tests, including a bilirubin blood test to assess bilirubin levels in the body. Elevated bilirubin levels may suggest that the baby’s body is having trouble processing bilirubin efficiently.

According to Cleveland Clinic, a safe TSB (total serum bilirubin) level is 0.1 to 1.2 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter). Symptoms of jaundice may be present when a child’s TSB level is 2.0 mg/dL, and a test result showing levels of 25 mg/dL is considered very high and can indicate serious damage to the infant’s brain and nervous system.

Treatment and monitoring is extremely important when it comes to this condition. Unfortunately, there are instances where healthcare providers fail to manage jaundice properly, leading to devastating consequences that could have been prevented. If your child developed kernicterus and you suspect malpractice was the cause, speak to a kernicterus lawyer at Pribanic & Pribanic today for a free review of your case.

“If you have questions about a kernicterus case, call our lawyers for help: 800-392-4529“