Kernicterus brain damage – families highlight the need to act on new-born jaundice
Newborn jaundice is relatively common, but in rare cases, if it is not treated appropriately, it can lead to brain damage called kernicterus.
Kernicterus can be catastrophic for children, and often leaves them wheelchair-bound, unable to see and hear, and with learning difficulties.
Yet despite these devastating consequences, early onset newborn jaundice is sometimes not treated with enough urgency by midwives and other healthcare staff, and some are not alert to the link to potential brain damage.
JMW is currently acting for the families of several young children from across the UK who developed kernicterus after urgent action was not taken on their newborn jaundice.
These families have shared their stories to help raise awareness of the risks of jaundice, to make sure healthcare staff are more alert to the dangers, and to help other parents push for the action that could ultimately save their child.
Read The Times' recent coverage of the issue here.
You can also find more helpful information at JMW supported www.kernicterus.org.uk.
Read the children's stories
Jaudaan Bapu's Story
Jaudaan Bapu, from Preston, Lancashire, was two days old when he became jaundiced. He is now five and is acutely disabled, which could have been prevented had his jaundice been treated appropriately.
Read moreDilraj Singh's Story
As with other kernicterus children, three-year-old Dilraj Singh, of Stretford, Manchester, is profoundly affected, after his jaundice was not treated urgently enough. He cannot sit up unaided, is unable to speak and is blind.
Read moreNashae Prendegast-Coote's Story
Three-year-old Nashae Prendegast-Coote, of Deptford, London, cannot stand or walk and has severely impaired eyesight. Nashae has kernicterus, the result of jaundice that was not treated appropriately.
Read more
Support from the Child Brain Injury Trust
Lisa Turan, chief executive of the Child Brain Injury Trust is backing the families’ campaign. She commented: “Child brain injury can have a devastating impact on the whole family. Children who have suffered a brain injury face many issues when growing up, such as learning and developmental difficulties. If the injury happens when they are a baby, then they will have many tough times ahead of them.
“If brain injury can be avoided through medical treatment, then it must be made an urgent priority and healthcare staff need to be on high alert to any warning signs.”
