The Different Complications Of Jaundice in Newborns

Babies born with a yellowish hue to their skin likely have jaundice. The fairly common condition in newborns and infants is caused by an abundance of bilirubin in their blood. Bilirubin, found in the red blood cells, is a yellow pigment which is flushed through the liver. Appropriate levels are maintained by being eliminated in the urine and feces. When jaundice is not successfully treated, two main complications arise: Acute bilirubin encephalopathy and kernicterus.

10. What To Expect

If parents are concerned about the level of jaundice or additional symptoms their baby is displaying, it is important to make a note of issues to discuss with a doctor. He or she will ask if the baby is feeding well and whether feeding is through breast milk or formula; if there has been any abnormal elimination; how easily the baby wakes; and if he or she appears ill or has muscle weakness. Changes in skin color and any spread of it to other body parts should be noted.

9. Phototherapy

A form of treatment for jaundice using light is called phototherapy. Photo-oxidation is a procedure used to lower bilirubin levels in babies through the addition of oxygen. The liver has an easier time removing the bilirubin because it is now able to dissolve in water. Two main types, conventional phototherapy and fibreoptic phototherapy, aim light on a baby’s skin. Fibreoptic is used on premature babies, but conventional is usually the first method attempted in most cases.

8. Causes Of Jaundice

The primary cause of jaundice is an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. There are certain underlying causes, occurring either in utero or after birth, from which babies can be affected. Some include hemorrhaging, or bleeding internally, sepsis, or a blood infection, an infection from a virus or bacteria, the result of the mother’s and baby’s blood not being compatible, a problem with the liver, a deficiency in enzymes, or broken red blood cells.

7. Symptoms Of Jaundice

Bilirubin levels are at their highest three to seven days after birth, making this the time parents should look for any signs of jaundice. A yellowish tinge will become more pronounced, especially on the abdomen, arms, and legs, as well as the whites of the eyes. Other things of which to be aware of include a lack of weight gain, fatigue, and high-pitched crying. Jaundice normally lasts more than three weeks and may or may not require treatment.

6. Kernicterus

Bilirubin has the potential to seriously harm the brain and central nervous system, creating a condition known as kernicterus. It is a very rare condition, and the best defense is early treatment. It can be avoided by paying attention to the symptoms or the progress of a baby’s jaundice. A proper diagnosis will be done through a physical exam and blood tests. If kernicterus is detected, the brain has been damaged, and the baby will display specific behavior.

5. Initial Symptoms Of Kernicterus

At first, a baby will have all of the usual symptoms of jaundice, as well as others, which will alert parents of possible kernicterus. If a baby is acting with little attention, has difficulty focussing on things around him or her, and is slow to react, bilirubin may have affected the brain. Loose and floppy muscles also signal damage, and the baby may backbend his or her body or neck. Inadequate feeding may also be a sign, especially if it is happening together with other symptoms.

4. Further Symptoms Of Kernicterus

Continued bending of the neck or spine, with the addition of seizures, indicates the condition is progressing. At this time, treatment is imminent and involves a blood transfusion called an exchange transfusion. A tube is used in the umbilical cord, arms, or legs to extract some blood and is replaced by the healthy blood of a donor. This helps balance the amount of bilirubin in the baby’s blood to normal levels.

3. Acute Bilirubin Encephalopathy

When bilirubin enters the brain, toxins inhibit the cells and a condition known as acute bilirubin encephalopathy develops. Unless immediate treatment is provided, a baby risks suffering brain damage. Parents should take note if their jaundice baby has trouble waking or seems unusually tired. Babies may exhibit high-pitched crying or show signs of inadequate sucking or feeding. Other signs to look for are fever, vomiting, and overarching of the back and neck.

2. Risk Factors

Most cases of jaundice are not serious, but some factors can put a baby at a higher risk of complications. A baby born prematurely may have excess bilirubin because of the inability for effective elimination from intestinal blockages. It can occur in babies who are delivered with bruising, which causes the breakage of blood cells. Too many blood cells can breakdown too fast if there are incompatible blood types between mother and baby. Breast-feeding, too, creates some risk.

1.Brain Damage

When treatment is delayed, a baby can suffer serious brain damage, leading to other difficulties. Cerebral palsy is one. It is an umbrella term to include a number of neurological problems and affects the brain’s ability to communicate with the muscles. Other complications include hearing loss, learning disabilities, involuntary twitching or the inability to control parts of the body, hindered the development of teeth, and the tendency to gaze upwards or back and forth.