What is Kernicterus, and How is it Related to Jaundice?

Newborn babies who experience severe jaundice have a risk of developing the serious condition known as Kernicterus in newborns. High levels of bilirubin exist in the baby's brain because of the yellow pigment's accumulation during red blood cell breakdown. Unmanaged high bilirubin levels in the body can result in permanent brain damage. Severe jaundice in newborns without proper management may cause kernicterus even though mild jaundice is normal and harmless for babies.

Medical intervention becomes essential for babies who demonstrate elevated bilirubin levels. The absence of treatment for jaundice can trigger kernicterus which leads to cerebral palsy and hearing loss and vision impairment and developmental delays. Parents who understand the relationship between jaundice and kernicterus will be better able to take prompt actions that protect their newborn's health.

How Does Jaundice Lead to Kernicterus?

Extreme bilirubin levels in blood cause kernicterus in newborns by affecting brain function. The body normally processes bilirubin through liver functions which result in its elimination through urine and stool disposal. Bilirubin crosses the blood-brain barrier when levels surpass safe limits, thus causing harmful effects to the nervous system. Brain damage and movement disorders along with intellectual disabilities develop when bilirubin levels exceed safe levels in blood.

Parents need to recognize severe jaundice warning signs which suggest kernicterus risk because these include:

• Extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking up
• Poor feeding or refusal to drink milk
• High-pitched or unusual crying
• Stiffness or unusual body movements
• Arching of the back or neck
• Less responsive or floppy muscles

The appearance of these signs requires immediate medical attention from parents for their babies. The postponement of medical care leads to an elevated danger of enduring tissue destruction.

Preventing Kernicterus

The good news is kernicterus in newborns is easily avoided if there is appropriate monitoring and treatment. The trick is to recognize jaundice early and keep bilirubin from becoming dangerously high. Parents and health care providers can do the following:

Regular Check-ups: Infants should be screened for jaundice in the first 24 hours of life, and again in the subsequent days. Babies at the highest risk might need more frequent checks.

Monitor Symptoms at Home: Look for yellow skin in general, in particular in the face, chest and legs, suggest parents. Also check the whites of the baby’s eyes for jaundice.

Frequent Feeding: Eating helps infants eliminate bilirubin in urine and stool. Frequent breastfeeding (at least 8–12 times daily) keeps bilirubin levels low.

Phototherapy Treatment: If bilirubin levels are elevated, doctors may treat with phototherapy, which uses special blue light to break down bilirubin in the baby’s skin.

Exchange Transfusion: In extremely severe cases, a blood exchange transfusion may be needed to clear high bilirubin levels to prevent kernicterus in newborns.

Treat Underlying Conditions: When jaundice results from infections or blood disorders, addressing the underlying condition can help prevent complications.

With timely diagnosis and proper jaundice treatment, kernicterus is entirely preventable, allowing a baby to develop healthily.

When to See a Doctor?

But parents should take their baby to a doctor right away if their baby’s jaundice gets worse, or if they see any of the warning signs described above. Better to be safe and consult a doctor than to wait it out and potentially suffer irreversible damage.

At GEM Hospital, we offer neonatal care to promote the health of newborns. Our experts provide in-depth screening, treatment, and guidance for jaundice and kernicterus. Book your appointment now for professional medical support if you’re concerned about your baby’s health.