How to Prevent Kernicterus

Kernicterus is a type of brain damage caused by infant jaundice. It normally occurs in small, premature babies whose liver has not fully developed. Infant jaundice can lead to high levels of bilirubin circulating in the blood, which in turn leads to the development of kernicterus. If not treated quickly, kernicterus can lead to brain damage in the infant. Even with its dangerous effects, the condition is preventable.

Instructions

1

Give babies regular feedings. Regular feeding, especially for premature infants, is important for the prevention of jaundice, which leads to kernicterus. It's recommended that babies that are breast feeding receive 12 daily feedings for the first few days of life. Formula-fed infants should be fed this frequently during the first several weeks of life.

2

Test babies for possible liver problems. High bilirubin levels normally occur by the fifth day of life. If the baby is premature, ensure testing is done to prevent kernicterus. A nomogram measures the baby's bilirubin levels and plots it on paper. This is a good way to predict the possibility of future high levels in bilirubin.

3

Treat high bilirubin levels with phototherapy. The most common form of preventing kernicterus when bilirubin levels get too high is through phototherapy. The baby is placed under a blue light. The light is harmless to the baby, but it turns harmful bilirubin into an innocuous, water-soluble form. The procedure is performed in a hospital, so time is of the essence when treating babies for high bilirubin levels before the onset of kernicterus.

4

Watch for warning signs. There are a number of physical cahnges that occur before the onset of kernicterus. Jaundice itself spreads from the head to the toes, but other warning signs exist. The baby may be fussy and refuse to breastfeed. The baby may be difficult to wake up, and bowel movements might be limited. If the baby does not have at least four dirty diapers a day, it may be a warning sign of kernicterus.