Portland Birth Injury Lawyers Explain Kernicterus and Why it is Caused by Oregon Medical Malpractice
One rare but very devastating disease that a newborn could suffer is called Kernicterus. This condition generally affects newborns, but it can affect babies as well. When Kernicterus is not properly treated, it can lead to catastrophic birth injuries. Fortunately, Kernicterus can be easily treated and the affects of Kernicterus could be completely mitigated. However, many times doctors and healthcare providers mistake Kernicterus for other common conditions such as jaundice. This is a big mistake. The longer that a newborn has Kernicterus, the longer that the brain may be suffering irreparable damage. Our Portland birth injury lawyers explain Kernicterus and why it is so damaging.
Understanding this Dangerous Condition
Kernicterus is a condition caused by bilirubin. Bilirubin is something that is normally in your blood, but your kidneys filter it out to keep the levels low. When the kidneys are not properly working, a person may go jaundice or turn yellow. This yellow appearance is just a manifestation of the bilirubin. Many newborns have some temporary jaundice because their kidneys, liver, and other organs are just starting to work for the first time by themselves. This is normal.
But when that jaundice does not go away, or when the jaundice gets darker and darker, these could be a sign of Kernicterus. It is this buildup of bilirubin which is the cause of Kernicterus and which causes damage. This is because bilirubin can be poisonous to tissue, particularly in high concentrations. In these higher concentrations, the bilirubin is actually caustic and can damage tissue. It can also affect how oxygen is absorbed by brain cells and other tissue cells. Kernicterus is merely a prolonged and high concentration of bilirubin.
Damages Caused by Kernicterus
There are many possible damages caused by Kernicterus which could be due to Oregon medical malpractice. While Kernicterus is easy to treat, it has to be diagnosed first. Unfortunately, many untrained healthcare providers make careless, reckless, and downright negligent assumptions that the yellow appearance of a newborn is just jaundice. Or that the jaundice is only brief and temporary, when it has remained for days.
There are many possible Oregon birth injuries which could be caused by Kernicterus, which include the following:
- Cerebral palsy;
- HIE or hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy;
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Organ damage;
- Developmental delays and injuries;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Brain injuries;
- Nerve injuries, particularly to the peripheral nervous system; and
- Other types of injuries.
Ask our Portland Birth Injury Lawyers for Help
Kernicterus is a dangerous condition that manifests itself in an obvious, yellow glow which can be easily treated by a competent healthcare provider. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed as a result of medical malpractice contact the Oregon Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Kuhlman Law at our number below or fill out the intake form. We offer a free initial case evaluation and handle cases on a contingency fee which means that you pay no money unless we recover.
Our law firm handles cases throughout the state including Bend and Portland Oregon, Redmond, Central Oregon, Sisters, Madras, Multnomah County, Deschutes County, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Lane County, Medford, Gresham, La Grande, Albany, Medford, Beaverton, Umatilla, Pendleton, Cottage Grove, Florence, Oregon City, Springfield, Keizer, Grants Pass, McMinnville, Tualatin, West Linn, Forest Grove, Wilsonville, Newberg, Roseburg, Lake Oswego, Klamath Falls, Happy Valley, Tigard, Ashland, Milwakie, Coos Bay, The Dalles, St. Helens, Sherwood, Central Point, Canby, Troutdale, Hermiston, Silverton, Hood River, Newport, Prineville, Astoria, Tillamook, Lincoln City, Hillsboro, and Vancouver, Washington.
We also have an office in Minneapolis, Minnesota and take medical malpractice cases throughout the Twin Cities, including St. Paul, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Washington County, Anoka County, Scott County, Blaine, Stillwater, and Saint Paul Minnesota.
Please act quickly, there is a limited time (Statute of Limitations) in which you can bring a claim under the law.
