Signs & Symptoms of Kernicterus

Jaundice is a medical condition that can affect newborn babies. It makes a baby's skin and eyes become a yellowish color because their liver isn't mature enough to get rid of the excess pigment of red blood cells, which is called bilirubin. Although jaundice isn't serious enough to cause newborns to undergo treatment, complications can occur. One complication of untreated jaundice is called kernicterus. Kernicterus has separate symptoms than jaundice that parents need to know about.

Kernicterus

Kernicterus results from extremely high levels of bilirubin. The excess bilirubin travels from the blood and gathers in brain tissue. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that kernicterus is a type of brain damage that causes mental retardation, athetoid cerebral palsy (uncontrollable movements), vision problems such as permanently having an upward gaze, and hearing loss. However, before kernicterus advances to causing any additional medical conditions or problems, there are signs and symptoms that can alert parents and physicians that it is present in newborns.

Warning Signs

Warning signs of kernicterus that indicate when to call the doctor and get an appointment that day include the newborn having at least four dirty or wet diapers in a 24-hour time period. Also, newborns should see the doctor when they are fussy, have an orange or yellow skin color, and are hard to wake.

Early Signs of Kernicterus

In the early stage of kernicterus, parents will notice extreme jaundice. The yellowish color advances to the abdomen, chest, arms or legs. The jaundice lasts for longer than three weeks. Newborns are usually lethargic and sleepy all the time. In fact, they may be hard to wake. Also, newborns in the early stage of kernicterus lack startling reflexes. This means even when scared, newborns won't react. Another symptom of kernicterus is the lack of an appetite.

Signs and Symptoms of Kernicterus in the Middle Stage

During the middle stage of kernicterus, parents notice different signs. For instance, parents notice their newborn's crying is more high-pitched than usual, and the soft spot on her head, or fontanel, is bulging. She may also experience seizures. The MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia says that another kernicterus sign is how newborns arch their backs with their necks hyperextended backwards.

Signs of Advanced Kernicterus

The late stage of kernicterus is considered a full neurological syndrome, reports the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Parents will notice signs of rigidity in the muscles of newborns. Seizures continue, along with involuntary movements. Newborns typically won't respond to sounds because of high-frequency hearing loss.