What Happens If Newborn Jaundice Goes Untreated?

Newborn jaundice is a common condition that affects many babies shortly after birth. It occurs due to an excess of bilirubin in the blood, a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells. Most cases are mild and resolve independently as the baby’s liver matures.

Doctors and hospitals have a responsibility to monitor and treat jaundice promptly. However, untreated jaundice can lead to severe complications, including brain damage or death.

If medical negligence caused your child to suffer from untreated jaundice, you may be eligible to seek compensation. A medical malpractice lawyer at Hodes Milman can help you pursue compensation. Contact us at (949) 640-8222 for a free consultation to discuss your case.

Can Jaundice Cause Brain Damage?

According to statistics from the National Library of Medicine, newborn jaundice is a condition that affects up to 60% of full-term babies and 80% of premature babies shortly after birth. It is characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood. 

Most cases are mild and resolve on their own as the baby’s liver matures and begins processing bilirubin more effectively. However, if untreated, jaundice can lead to long-term health consequences. 

Can jaundice cause brain damage if left untreated? Yes, it can. When bilirubin levels in a newborn rise too high, it can lead to kernicterus, a rare but severe condition where excess bilirubin enters the brain, causing permanent neurological damage. Although kernicterus is rare, it has serious, lifelong consequences.

Kernicterus and Jaundice

Recognizing the symptoms of kernicterus in newborns early is necessary for preventing long-term damage. Kernicterus develops when untreated jaundice causes bilirubin to build up in the brain. The condition can lead to serious neurological disorders, but early diagnosis and treatment can prevent permanent harm.

Common early signs of kernicterus include:

• Deep yellowing of the skin and eyes: This goes beyond normal jaundice.
• Lethargy: The baby may be unusually sleepy or hard to wake.
• Poor feeding: Difficulty eating or refusing to eat is a warning sign.
• High-pitched crying: An unusual cry can indicate brain irritation.
• Floppy or stiff muscle tone: The baby may appear overly limp or rigid.

Untreated kernicterus and jaundice may progress to include seizures, abnormal eye movements, or back arching. Hearing loss and developmental delays may also occur.

Parents who notice these signs should seek immediate medical attention. Early intervention with treatments like phototherapy or blood transfusions can prevent severe outcomes. If medical professionals fail to diagnose or treat kernicterus in time, families may have grounds for a malpractice claim. An attorney can help determine whether negligence played a role and assist in pursuing justice for your child.

Risk Factors for Newborn Jaundice

Certain factors increase a baby’s risk of developing jaundice. They include:

• Premature birth: Babies born early may have underdeveloped livers that struggle to process bilirubin.
• Blood type incompatibility: When the baby’s blood type doesn’t match the mother’s, bilirubin production can increase.
• Excessive bruising during delivery: Bruising can lead to higher bilirubin levels as the body breaks down extra red blood cells.
• Breastfeeding challenges: Babies who struggle to feed may not process bilirubin effectively.
• Family history: A history of jaundice in siblings or parents can indicate higher risk.

Parents should discuss these risk factors with their healthcare provider before delivery. Doctors should monitor bilirubin levels closely after birth if a baby is at higher risk. Timely testing and treatment can prevent complications, including kernicterus or cerebral palsy.

If medical staff fail to address known risk factors and your child suffers harm, it may be due to negligence. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and seek justice for your family. 

When medical negligence occurs, we’re here to guide you through all the steps of a legal claim. Reach out to the team at Hodes Milman online or by phone at (949) 640-8222 for a 100% free consultation.

Long-Term Effects of Jaundice at Birth

What happens if newborn jaundice goes untreated? The long-term effects of untreated jaundice can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of bilirubin buildup.

Children with untreated jaundice may experience challenges with mobility, speech, and learning. Vision and hearing problems are also common.

Preventing these outcomes relies on early detection and treatment. Healthcare providers are responsible for monitoring bilirubin levels and intervening when necessary.

How Does Jaundice Cause Cerebral Palsy?

Untreated jaundice can lead to lifelong conditions that affect movement and muscle control. When bilirubin accumulates in the brain, it damages areas responsible for motor control, causing spasticity and other symptoms of cerebral palsy.

Jaundice-induced cerebral palsy can cause symptoms like muscle stiffness, walking difficulties, or coordination challenges.

In severe cases, children may require lifelong medical care and therapy to manage their condition. Families face significant emotional and financial burdens due to these injuries.

Medical negligence often plays a role in these cases. Doctors are responsible for monitoring bilirubin levels in newborns and acting quickly when they become dangerous. Failing to test or treat jaundice in time can allow bilirubin to build up, causing irreversible damage.

Untreated jaundice can cause cerebral palsy and affected families may have legal options. A birth injury settlement can help cover medical costs, therapy, and other expenses related to your child’s care. Seeking justice also helps hold negligent healthcare providers accountable for their actions.

How to Prove Medical Negligence in Jaundice Cases

Proving medical negligence means showing that healthcare providers failed to meet professional standards of care. To build a strong case, you must establish four key elements:

1. Duty of care: The provider was responsible for monitoring and treating your newborn.
2. Breach of duty: They failed to act in a way that met medical standards.
3. Causation: This failure directly caused harm to your baby.
4. Damages: The injury resulted in physical, emotional, or financial harm.

Evidence such as medical records, expert testimony, and timelines of care can help prove negligence. However, winning a malpractice case often requires extensive legal knowledge.

Attorneys experienced in birth injury cases can identify where mistakes occurred and advocate for fair compensation. Compensation may cover medical bills, therapy, and long-term care, helping families meet their child’s needs.

Contact a Medical Malpractice Lawyer at Hodes Milman for Help

If your child has suffered due to untreated jaundice, legal action can help secure the resources your family needs. Healthcare providers must promptly monitor and treat jaundice to prevent complications such as kernicterus and cerebral palsy. When they fail to meet these standards, families deserve justice.

A medical malpractice attorney can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation your family deserves. This support can cover medical costs, therapy, and other long-term expenses. It also holds negligent providers accountable, encouraging better care for future patients.

If you believe your child has suffered due to medical negligence, get in touch with Hodes Milman today online or by calling (949) 640-8222 to explore your legal options and pursue justice for your family. We can help you seek justice and the compensation your family needs for ongoing care and recovery.