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Kernicterus
Kernicterus is a medical condition
which may not be as readily known to the general public as other types
of illnesses. As it is important to get a grasp on what this illness
truly is, the following paragraphs will briefly provide some general
information regarding the medical condition known as kernicterus.
Defining Kernicterus
Prior to describing what causes
kernicterus, it is important to define this medical condition.
Kernicterus is a form of brain damage which leads to athetoid cerebral
palsy and hearing loss. Other conditions which may result from
the condition of kernicterus include possible mental retardation and
vision problems. This condition can be brought on as a result
of a large amount of jaundice in newborns should the jaundice go untreated.
For many reasons, kernicterus is an illness that should be understood,
as the results which may occur can be serious.
Who Is At Risk for Developing
Kernicterus?
Individuals who are at the
greatest risk for developing kernicterus mainly include babies with
untreated jaundice episodes. It is important to note that there are
a number of different treatment methods for babies with jaundice so
kernicterus is something which can be contained.
Factors Which Make Infants
More Susceptible to Jaundice
There are a few different factors
that may make certain infants more susceptible to having jaundice. Some
of these factors include babies born during pre-term labor, sibling
jaundice, bruising at birth, babies who eat less, episode of early jaundice
and hereditary factors. Although many infants get jaundice, it is those
who have serious jaundice that parents should worry most about developing
kernicterus.
Ways to Prevent Kernicterus
The main way to prevent kernicterus
from arising is to treat any episodes of jaundice with one of many treatment
methods. The most common treatment method for jaundice is phototherapy
where the baby is placed under a lighting apparatus to treat the jaundice.
In more severe cases, should the phototherapy be unsuccessful, the baby
may need to undergo an exchange transfusion to eradicate the jaundice.