Did you know that jaundice can sometimes
lead to brain damage in newborns? Jaundice is the yellow
color seen in the skin of many newborns. Jaundice results when a
chemical called bilirubin builds up in the baby’s blood. Too
much bilirubin can cause hyperbilirubinemia. It is the most
frequent reason for hospital readmission during the first week
of a baby’s life.
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Kernicterus is a type of brain damage that can result from
high levels of bilirubin in a baby’s blood. It can cause
athetoid cerebral palsy and hearing loss. Kernicterus also
causes problems with vision and teeth and sometimes can cause
mental retardation.
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We are not able to answer personal medical
questions. Please see your health care provider concerning appropriate care,
treatment, or other medical advice.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta,
GA 30333, U.S.A
Public Inquiries: 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636); 1-888-232-6348 (TTY),
24 Hours/Every Day -
cdcinfo@cdc.gov