High Bilirubin Level in Newborns

Jaundice or elevated bilirubin can be caused by prematurity. In addition, high levels of bilirubin may be caused if the newborn and mother had incompatible blood types. The result of high bilirubin levels or excessive jaundice or yellowing of a baby’s eyes and skin can lead to kernicterus, which is the result of very high levels of bilirubin that causes a severe form of brain damage. Kernicterus affects the brain’s basal ganglia. The condition can cause lesions in the brainstem that affects eye movement, balance, coordination and hearing. The effects of kernicterus damage can be seen by MRI.

Babies born in the United States with jaundice is not all that uncommon. As many as 60% of all newborns are jaundiced or have a yellow tinge to their skin. Jaundice can be identified by the color of the white part of a child’s eyes. They eyes make look yellowish. Most cases of jaundice occur in the very first days of a baby’s life.

As a matter of fact, jaundice by itself is usually not life threatening or dangerous to a newborn unless the doctors allow the bilirubin level to remain high without recognition of it and treatment. Newborns who have suffered brain damage from the high levels of bilirubin appear to be lethargic, with decreased muscle tones and episodes of increased tone, poor feeding and back arching.

When the first signs of kernicterus or brain damage occur in a baby, the immediate and required treatment is phototherapy or lights, hydration and transfusions to prevent further damage to the brain.

Sadly a newborn who has been diagnosed with kernicterus and treated may still be left with permanent deficiencies, including hearing loss or deafness, abnormal eye movements, or abnormal staining of the teeth enamel. Cerebral palsy can also be the result of kernicterus. Although high bilirubin levels are treatable in newborns, too often the delay in not quickly and correctly diagnosing and treating kernicterus can lead to permanent brain damage and cerebral palsy in a newborn.

If you or someone you know or love has been diagnosed with high bilirubin levels in Illinois, please call us for an immediate free consultation. Robert Kreisman of Kreisman Law Offices has been handling Chicago and Illinois birth injury cases for more than 40 years.

With our years of experience in trying and settling birth injury cases, Kreisman Law Offices provides the best possible services to our clients and have achieved unsurpassed results. Our service is unmatched. Please call us 24 hours a day at 312.346.0045 or toll free 800.583.8002 for a free and immediate consultation, or complete a contact form online. There is no charge for a consultation that will include an evaluation of your case.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
“We were devastated when our 31 year-old son was killed by a negligent driver. Kreisman Law Offices did everything to help us through this very difficult time, including coming out to the house several times which was a comfort. My wife and I were extremely pleased with Mr. Kreisman’s compassion and care for this very tragic and troubling time.” C.B.
★★★★★
“Bob Kreisman did everything possible in handling the trial of this case. It was devastating that I traumatically lost my leg above the knee in this truck accident. However, it was not an easy case to win. His staff was so prepared for the trial that it was not surprising that the settlement offers continued to rise until we finally accepted the multi-million settlement while the jury was still deciding the case. My wife and I were delighted that we could secure our future with this settlement. We thank Mr. Kreisman and his incredible staff for working so hard for our benefit.” T.P.
★★★★★
“My mother died because doctors dropped the ball. I called Robert Kreisman and he immediately set up an appointment for my entire family. We met at his offices and I was very comfortable that he would do the best for my dad and my brothers. He spent hours with all of us in preparing for depositions and he hired top notch experts, all of which contributed to an incredible settlement before trial. I know that he is dedicated to his cases and particularly to the people he works for and the people who work with him. He continues to be generous in contributing annually to my mother’s memory and to make known to the public the signs and symptoms of brain tumors.” V.S.
★★★★★
“My dad was ignored and mistreated at the nursing home that we placed him in. It didn’t take long for us to realize that we made a big mistake, particularly after my dad developed these terrible bedsores. We transferred him as we were contacting Mr. Kreisman. He was referred to us by a lawyer we have known for a long time and respect his opinion. Mr. Kreisman and his staff worked tirelessly to resolve this case. We were fortunate to have his services and will recommend him to anyone.” T.J.
Submit a Law Firm Client Review