What Is Hyperbilirubinemia and How Is It Treated?

Have you noticed your newborn’s skin or eyes appearing yellow? This could be a sign of hyperbilirubinemia. Continue reading to learn the causes, symptoms, and available legal options for hyperbilirubinemia and how Wagner Reese, LLP, can help.

Understanding Hyperbilirubinemia

Hyperbilirubinemia is a condition affecting newborns where bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the natural breakdown of red blood cells, builds up in their bloodstream. Normally, the liver filters and removes bilirubin. However, a newborn’s liver is still developing and may not be able to keep up with this process. This excess bilirubin causes the baby’s skin and eyes to turn yellow, a condition known as jaundice.

While mild jaundice is very common in newborns and usually resolves on its own within a week or two, severe hyperbilirubinemia can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to ensure your baby’s health.

Causes and Symptoms of Hyperbilirubinemia

Several factors can contribute to hyperbilirubinemia:

Increased Bilirubin Production

In some cases, a newborn’s body may produce more bilirubin than usual, such as in cases of blood cell incompatibility between mother and baby (Rh incompatibility) or certain inherited enzyme deficiencies.

Immature Liver

As mentioned earlier, a newborn’s liver is still maturing and may be less efficient at processing and removing bilirubin from the bloodstream.

Breastfeeding Difficulties

While breastfeeding is highly recommended for newborns, some babies might not be feeding frequently or effectively enough in the early days. This can lead to slower stool passage, causing bilirubin to re-enter the bloodstream instead of being eliminated.

Signs and Symptoms

The most noticeable sign of hyperbilirubinemia is jaundice, characterized by a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. The yellowing typically starts from the head and progresses downwards as the bilirubin levels increase. Here’s a short list of symptoms to watch for:

• Yellowish skin, starting from the face and moving downwards
• Yellowing of the whites of the eyes (sclera)
• Dark-colored urine

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Doctors diagnose hyperbilirubinemia through a simple blood test to measure bilirubin levels. Based on the severity, treatment options may include:

• Increased Feeding: Frequent breastfeeding or formula feeding helps eliminate bilirubin through bowel movements.
• Phototherapy: This treatment uses special lights to break down bilirubin into a form that can be easily removed by the body.
• Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg): In severe cases, especially those involving Rh incompatibility, IVIg can be used to reduce bilirubin production.

If you notice any signs of jaundice in your newborn, consult your pediatrician immediately. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and ensure a healthy outcome for your baby.

Potential Complications and Long-Term Effects

If left untreated, severe hyperbilirubinemia can cause serious harm. High bilirubin levels can damage brain cells, leading to a condition called kernicterus. Kernicterus presents with symptoms like deafness, seizures, and developmental delays, and can even be fatal.

Thankfully, early diagnosis and treatment dramatically reduce these risks. However, some studies suggest a possible link between moderate hyperbilirubinemia and minor hearing problems or even slight developmental delays later in childhood. If you have any concerns about your baby’s bilirubin levels, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your pediatrician. They can monitor your baby closely and recommend the best course of action to ensure your little one’s health.

Hyperbilirubinemia and Medical Negligence

Newborn jaundice is a frequent occurrence, but severe hyperbilirubinemia and its complications like kernicterus are serious issues. In some unfortunate cases, medical negligence may play a role.

Medical negligence in hyperbilirubinemia occurs when healthcare providers deviate from the accepted standard of care, causing harm to your baby. This could involve:

• Failing to recognize signs of jaundice or elevated bilirubin levels during checkups.
• Not properly monitoring your baby’s bilirubin levels, especially if they’re at risk.
• Delaying diagnosis or treatment of hyperbilirubinemia, allowing bilirubin levels to become dangerously high.
• Discharging your baby from the hospital before bilirubin levels are safe.

If you believe that medical negligence has worsened your child’s condition, seek hyperbilirubinemia legal assistance.

Legal Considerations and Potential Compensation for Medical Malpractice Cases

If your baby develops kernicterus or other serious complications despite receiving medical care, you may have legal options. Medical malpractice lawsuits can be complex, so consulting with an experienced attorney is crucial. They can help you understand the specific laws in your state and determine if your case has merit.

Here’s what you should consider:

• Standard of Care: Medical professionals are legally obligated to provide a certain level of care aligned with their specialty and training.
• Causation: You’ll need to prove that the medical professional’s negligence directly caused your baby’s harm.

If your case moves forward, you may seek compensation for various damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: Current and future medical costs associated with your baby’s condition.
• Lost Wages: If you miss work caring for your child.
• Pain and Suffering: The physical and emotional distress your baby endures.
• Long-Term Care Costs: If your child requires ongoing medical care due to complications.

An experienced birth injury lawyer can guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation your family deserves.

How Wagner Reese, LLP Can Assist Individuals Affected by Hyperbilirubinemia

If your child suffered complications from severe hyperbilirubinemia, especially due to potential medical negligence, Wagner Reese, LLP is here for you. Our medical malpractice attorneys have a winning record in holding negligent parties accountable. We’ll fight to recover the maximum compensation you deserve for your child’s medical bills, pain and suffering, and future care needs. Contact us today for a free consultation.