Northeast Ohio Jaundice Lawsuits
Elevated levels of bilirubin in a child's system is defined as hyperbilirubinemia, which can cause jaundice. Symptoms include the yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. Bilirubin levels can be measured through a simple blood test.
If remained untreated, high levels of bilirubin can cause a condition called kernicterus (a form of cerebral palsy). Kernicterus can have a devastating impact on a child, including impairment and damage to movement, developmental delays, hearing impairment, vision impairment and dental issues. There is no known cure for kernicterus; however, it is preventable through treatment of the heightened bilirubin levels. Such treatment is usually minimally invasive, including the usage of UV lights.
In some circumstances, kernicterus can be the result of medical negligence. Some treatment providers fail to obtain bilirubin blood tests because the baby is not significantly jaundiced; however, in many children jaundice can be difficult to detect based upon their skin tone.
Further medical error can result from treatment providers failing to recognize that kernicterus can occur at bilirubin levels as low as 10 mg/dL.
Other causes for concern are where jaundice appears in the first day of a child's life or lasts more than a few days. Children having these types of jaundice symptoms should be monitored carefully.
Heightened levels of bilirubin can be caused through a number of factors, including:
- RH / ABO incompatibility
- Bruising from the utilization of delivery tools
- Bruising or bleeding due to injury
- Genetics (e.g. siblings that have been affected)
- Genetic diseases (e.g. Gilbert’s Syndrome Liver, Crigler-Najjar Syndrome)
- Liver problems
Phototherapy is a good way to treat high bilirubin levels, and children should be monitored closely even after their levels come down. It is recommended that their TSB concentration be analyzed within 2-3 days after the end of phototherapy.
Kernicterus can cause significant brain damage to a child leading to a lifetime of care, medical expenses and emotional hardship. If your child has been diagnosed with kernicterus and you suspect that it may have been due to medical negligence please contact one of our experienced medical malpractice lawyers today. Our Hyperbilirubinemia Kernicterus Attorneys in Cleveland will vigorously investigate your claim, and make all efforts to obtain compensation on your behalf to offset some of the tremendous medical expenses involved with these types of injuries.
If you believe a doctor failed to appropriately treat your childs jaundice, contact an Ohio Hyperbilirubinemia Kernicterus Lawwyer at Triscaro & Associates today.
