A 47-year-old member asked:
What is the treatment for kernicterus?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Cornelia Franzanswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Prevention: Kernicterus occurs as a result of newborn jaundice of a severely high level that is untreated. I have not seen nor heard of a case in my entire career. Newborn jaundice is common and is easily treated with sun, phototherapy, or in severe cases exchange transfusion. (have not seen that in 20+ years). The best treatment is prevention.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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A 49-year-old member asked:
What is kernicterus?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 47 years experience
Term definitions: Kernicterus is a term uses to describe the effect that occurs when bilirubin rises to toxic levels in a baby and injures brain cells.It goes through several phases leading to a variety of permanent defects. These can include a movement disorder,deafness,visual problems and others. Recognition and treatment of high bilirubin levels can prevent this if done quickly.
4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jun 12, 2012
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