How high is jaundice likely to cause cerebral palsy

Neonatal jaundice is a common physiological phenomenon, but high levels of jaundice (i.e. hyperbilirubinemia) may cause serious health problems, including cerebral palsy. When the serum bilirubin level of the newborn is higher than 20mg/dL (342μmol/L), it may cause damage to the central nervous system. When the bilirubin level is too high, bilirubin may cross the blood-brain barrier and deposit in the basal ganglia of the brain, causing kernicterus. Kernicterus can cause severe brain damage and increase the risk of cerebral palsy. The liver function of premature infants is not fully developed, and they are more prone to hyperbilirubinemia and its complications. Timely treatment of hyperbilirubinemia can effectively reduce the incidence of serious complications such as cerebral palsy. If the symptoms persist, it is recommended to seek medical attention in time and take targeted treatment measures under the guidance of a doctor. The details are as follows:

1. Bilirubin level:

When the serum bilirubin level of a newborn is higher than 20 mg/dL (342 μmol/L), it may cause damage to the central nervous system. This high bilirubin level will cause bilirubin to cross the blood-brain barrier and deposit in the basal ganglia of the brain, leading to severe neurological damage. Regular monitoring of bilirubin levels in newborns is essential to prevent cerebral palsy.

2. Kernicterus:

When bilirubin levels are too high, bilirubin may cross the blood-brain barrier and deposit in the basal ganglia of the brain, causing kernicterus. Kernicterus is a severe bilirubin encephalopathy, which is mainly manifested by lethargy, hypotonia, convulsions, and intellectual development disorders. If not treated promptly, kernicterus may cause permanent brain damage and increase the risk of cerebral palsy.

3. Risk of cerebral palsy:

Kernicterus can cause severe brain damage and increase the risk of cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a chronic movement and posture disorder caused by impaired brain development. Kernicterus caused by hyperbilirubinemia is an important cause of cerebral palsy. Prevention and treatment of hyperbilirubinemia are essential to reduce the risk of cerebral palsy.

4. Premature babies are at higher risk:

Premature infants have not yet fully developed liver function, making them more susceptible to hyperbilirubinemia and its complications. Premature infants have poor bilirubin metabolism function and are more likely to have elevated serum bilirubin levels, which increases the risk of kernicterus and cerebral palsy. Premature infants require closer monitoring and timely intervention.

5. Importance of timely treatment:

Timely treatment of hyperbilirubinemia can effectively reduce the incidence of serious complications such as cerebral palsy. Treatments include phototherapy, exchange transfusion therapy, and drug therapy. Phototherapy breaks down bilirubin into harmless substances through blue light irradiation, and exchange transfusion therapy is an emergency treatment for severe hyperbilirubinemia. Timely breastfeeding and ensuring that newborns get enough nutrition can also help reduce bilirubin levels.

In order to reduce the harm of jaundice to newborns, we should take effective measures, such as regularly monitoring bilirubin levels, timely phototherapy, exchange transfusion therapy and drug treatment, and ensure that newborns have adequate nutrition. For newborns who have developed relevant symptoms, they should seek medical attention in time and inform the doctor of the possible history of hyperbilirubinemia so that they can receive timely treatment and intervention.