Hyperbilirubinemia and kernicterus compensation claims
Hyperbilirubinemia and kernicterus are relatively rare conditions of inadequately treated jaundice; however, the consequences can lead to cerebral palsy.
Jaundice is very common in newborn babies and usually goes away by itself. A little jaundice is not a problem, but a few babies have too much jaundice.
What is hyberbilirubinemia?
This is a condition that develops due to the inadequate treatment of jaundice. If it remains untreated then it will develop into the more serious condition of kernicterus.
What is kernicterus?
Kernicterus is a type of brain damage that causes athetoid cerebral palsy and hearing loss. It also leads to problems with vision and teeth and sometimes can cause neurological impairment. In some newborn babies the liver makes too much yellow pigment called bilirubin. When too much bilirubin builds up in a new baby's body, the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. This yellow colouring is called jaundice. If not treated, high levels of bilirubin can damage the brain.
Who can develop kernicterus?
Any baby with untreated jaundice is at risk of kernicterus. This does not mean that every baby with yellow skin will have brain damage. Most babies with jaundice will get better by themselves. If their skin is very yellow, they might need phototherapy treatment. If phototherapy does not lower the baby's bilirubin levels, the baby may need an exchange transfusion of blood. Some babies are more likely to have jaundice than others:
- a sibling who has had jaundice increases the risk
- a baby who has bruises at birth is likely to have jaundice due to the body processing the haemoglobin in the red blood cells, resulting in high levels of bilirubin
- babies born before 37 weeks may have an underdeveloped liver and be unable to eliminate bilirubin
- babies who are poor eaters are at risk of jaundice
- a baby who is jaundiced in the first 24 hours of life may become dangerously jaundiced
- hereditary factors including the children of Mediterranean or East Asian families
What are some of the warning signs of kernicterus?
- very yellow or orange skin tones (beginning at the head and spreading to the toes)
- increased sleepiness, so much so that it is hard to wake the baby
- the baby is not as alert and awake
- high-pitched cry
- weakness, limpness or floppiness
- the baby's body is arched like a bow (the head and heels are bent backward and the body forward)
Can jaundice be treated and prevent kernicterus from developing?
No baby should develop brain damage from untreated jaundice. If the baby is in a high-risk group it should be adequately and correctly monitored. If a baby has prolonged jaundice then it too should be carefully monitored. If the bilirubin levels do not decrease, phototherapy is the first stage of treatment; that is to say the baby can be put under blue lights for most of the day. The blue lights do not bother the baby; they are warm and probably feel good. If the baby gets very jaundiced an exchange transfusion takes place.
Where cerebral palsy is the result of medical negligence, you may be able to make a compensation claim in order to receive damages which will cover the ongoing care and special needs of your child.
Read our 'Guide for individuals and their families seeking compensation for cerebral palsy' here.
Making a medical negligence claim
For free, expert advice on making a medical negligence claim click here or call us free on 0800 0382 382. We are available to take your call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
If you want to provide some details to us in advance, why not let us assess your claim now.
