Jaundice is a common medical condition experienced by newborns. According to experts, jaundice is observed in 2.4% to 15% of healthy newborns during their first two weeks after birth. While common jaundice must be taken seriously and treated by physicians. If left untreated jaundice can result in serious and potentially life-threatening complications.
Bobby Jones is an experienced Greenville, SC birth injury lawyer that has experience representing victims in jaundice cases. Bobby Jones is a nationally recognized trial lawyer that has proven track record of holding healthcare professionals and hospitals accountable for medical negligence that causes injury or death.
What is Jaundice?
Jaundice occurs when there are elevated levels of unprocessed bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is essentially a waste product that is left over from the breakdown of red blood cells. Jaundice is due to the liver being unable to process bilirubin fast enough. This is a common condition in newborns because their liver is often underdeveloped.
Jaundice Symptoms and Treatment
Jaundice symptoms typically appear during the first 24 hours following birth. The most common outward symptom is the yellowing of the skin and eyes. Additional symptoms can include fatigue, poor feeding, and intense or abnormal sounding crying.
If these symptoms are present, a physician must test for jaundice. This involves testing the baby’s bilirubin levels, red blood cell count, and for Rh incompatibility with the mother. Jaundice in newborns is generally treated through:
- Phototherapy. This involves using a positioning the newborn under fluorescent lamps, blue-spectrum lights, or light-emitting diodes. The baby is also placed on top of a fiber optic blanket.
- Blood transfusion. A blood transfusion can increase the baby’s red blood cell count which will lower the bilirubin levels.
- Treating the underlying cause of the jaundice. If the physician can identify the cause of the jaundice (i.e., an infection), he or she should administer proper treatment.
Jaundice and Medical Negligence
Jaundice is a common and highly treatable medical condition in newborns. Yet if left untreated or treated improperly the baby can develop serious and potentially life-threatening health complications. Untreated jaundice can lead to a form of brain damage known as kernicterus. Kernicterus can lead to:
- The development of cerebral palsy
- Loss of hearing
- Loss of vision
- Development disabilities
- Seizures
- Death
Physicians that fail to treat jaundice in newborns must be held accountable for the baby’s medical expenses and pain and suffering. An experienced Greenville, SC birth injury lawyer can help you recover the compensation that you deserve.
Discuss your Case with an Experienced Greenville, SC Birth Injury Lawyer
Bobby Jones is a compassionate and highly experienced Greenville, SC birth injury lawyer and nationally recognized trial lawyer. He has experience representing victims in cases involving untreated jaundice in newborns. Bobby Jones Law serves clients throughout the state of South Carolina with offices conveniently located in Greenville. If you or someone that you know has a child that suffered a an injury due to untreated jaundice, contact us today for a FREE consultation to discuss your rights and options.
