Blog

Medical Malpractice

• Kansas City Parents Have Rights if Child is Injured Due to Negligence in Hospitals

View All

When Billirubin Levels Reach Dangerous Levels in Newborns

Newborns need special care. As their tiny bodies acclimate to the world outside of the protective environment of the womb, they must be monitored closely within the first few days of life. Many Kansas City parents know to watch for the signs of jaundice in their newborns. Sometimes, however, a normal condition like jaundice can transform into a more serious condition.

After a baby is born, the red blood cells die off and a substance called billirubin is formed as the dead cells break down in the blood stream. Under normal circumstances, the liver does a good job of breaking down billirubin. Sometimes, in the first few days of life, a newborn's immature liver cannot break down the billirubin as quickly as necessary. When the billirubin builds up, the baby can appear to have a yellowish tint to his skin. This is jaundice. Phototherapy is often used to treat jaundice, usually with complete success. Sometimes blood transfusions are necessary as well.

If, however, the amount of billirubin is allowed to build up too far, a dangerous condition called kernicterus occurs. In the case of kernicterus, billirubin can enter the brain. High levels of billirubin in the brain can cause devastating brain damage, or death.

The symptoms of kernicterus include:

1. Extreme jaundice
2. Poor feeding
3. Absent stares
4. Lethargy
5. Seizures
6. Bulging at the soft-spot
7. High pitched crying, arching the back

Kernicterus is a devastating condition with a generally poor outcome. High levels of billirubin can be caught with routine monitoring. Adequate testing of billirubin levels can help prevent this preventable condition in newborns. Doctors must test the direct billirubin level, not relying on the indirect level to diagnose dangerous levels.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that newborns be screened for billirubin levels within the first 24 hours of life. Follow-up screenings within the first two or three days after they leave the hospital are further recommended for all babies, especially premature infants.

If your child has been the victim of a condition like kernicterus, you may be left with questions about what could have been done to prevent the illness. The Kansas City medical malpractice attorneys at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys offer a no cost, no obligation initial consultation. Learn more by calling 888-348-2616. You can also access your free copy of the resource guide the Truth About Medical Malpractice Claims for more information.

Just Ask

Free Consumer Guides

Testimonials

• I’m highly satisfied, I would call Victor again. I needed his help, and he has been a great attorney. I’m very comfortable recommending victor to other clients. Now that I’m happy with how much he’s helped me, I’m definitely recommending him to anyone that needed his help.
• Heather was very nice and polite and very informative. Heather was very responsive when I asked her questions and very informative. Yes, she was very aggressive with the insurance company. She was very aggressive trying to get a higher amount. Yes she was very nice. She is very informative and knows what she is doing.
• It was great to work with Heather, she kept me informed about everything, the dos and the don’ts and what everything was and kept me on track. she was very professional she told you what was going on, she kept you a breast of everything that was going on, she was an excellent lawyer. Ms Heather and the whole staff at the Accident Injury firm, I would recommend them to anybody across the world, that they are excellent, honest attorneys.

View All

Latest News

• Posted on 4/1/2012Mother Sues Florida Hospital after Nurse Cuts Baby's Finger Off
• Posted on 7/29/2011Kansas City Hospitals Exceed National Average for Medical Mistakes

View All

FAQs

Medical Malpractice

• Can a Kansas City dentist commit medical malpractice?

View All

Web Resources

• Medical Malpractice

more