New Jersey Hyperbilirubinemia Lawyers

Hyperbilirubinemia/Kernicterus (Jaundice)

Some birth injuries, and/or conditions which develop after the birth of a new born can be prevented. Further, some of these conditions are easily corrected if treatment is adequate and timely. One such condition, hyperbilirubinemia, which may cause an appearance of jaundice, if untreated or insufficiently treated, can lead to multiple severe complications including kernicterus. Kernicterus occurs when protein deposits in the brain tissue causing brain damage neurological conditions/impairment.

Hyperbilirubinemia is a condition in which bilirubin protein levels in a person’s bloodstream are higher than normal. This increased protein level is especially problematic for newborns because some babies cannot adequately remove the extra protein from their systems; which can cause a build up of the substance throughout the body, including in the brain tissue. Increased bilirubin protein levels can cause a person’s skin tissue to take on a yellowish tint of color, which is commonly referred to as "jaundice".

Diagnosing Hyperbilirubinemia can be accomplished by examining bilirubin and other levels (seen in blood tests commonly taken after birth), and by careful observation of the newborn’s skin, eyes and behavior.

All newborns can be "jaundiced"; however, those who are born prematurely are at an increased risk to develop this condition. Those afflicted with jaundice may not only have a yellow coloring to their skin, but may also not eat well or could exhibit lethargic behavior.

Treatment for hyperbilirubinemia usually includes phototherapy (being placed under ultraviolet or UV lights, medication administration, and/or blood transfusion).

Early diagnosis of the condition, along with properly administered treatment, can prevent an afflicted child's bilirubin level from increasing, and therefore, him or her from suffering the more serious effects of hyperbilirubinemia, including kernicterus. Early diagnosis of hyperbilirubinemia is critical in allowing for timely appropriate treatment and will increase the chances of the best possible outcome for a child’s well-being.

If your newborn suffered from hyperbilirubinemia (jaundice) and now has symptoms associated with neurological impairment and delayed development, allow the skilled New Jersey birth injury attorneys at Blume Goldfaden to investigate the circumstances under leading up to his or her condition. We will help determine whether the care was below accepted standards, and if a meritorious medical negligence claims exists. Contact us today at 973-635-5400 for a no cost consultation.