Neonatal Jaundice vs Kernicterus: Key Differences

Kernicterus vs Neonatal Jaundice: A Parent’s Guide

When a newborn baby develops a yellowish tint to the skin or eyes, it often raises concern among parents. This yellow colour is caused by a condition called neonatal jaundice, which is common and usually harmless. However, in rare instances, if jaundice becomes severe and goes untreated, it can lead to a serious complication called kernicterus.

It is crucial to understand the difference between these two conditions for early detection and proper treatment.

Differences Between Neonatal Jaundice and Kernicterus

Though both conditions are related to bilirubin, they are different in terms of severity, outcomes, and treatment. Here is a detailed breakdown of the differences:

What is Neonatal Jaundice?

Neonatal jaundice is a condition that affects many newborn babies in the first few days of birth. It causes the baby's skin and the whites of their eyes to turn yellow. It happens due to a substance in the blood called bilirubin. Bilirubin is made when our body breaks down old red blood cells. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin and helps remove it from our body.

In most newborns, jaundice is 'physiological,' meaning the baby's liver is still immature and can't process bilirubin quickly enough. Other causes can include breastfeeding difficulties, blood type differences between mother and baby, or infections. 

Signs of Neonatal Jaundice

The most obvious sign is the yellow colouring of the skin and eyes. It usually starts on the baby’s face and spreads to the body. It can appear within the first two to four days after birth and often goes away on its own.

Doctors usually monitor bilirubin levels through a simple skin test or a blood test to ensure the bilirubin level does not get too high.

What is Kernicterus?

Kernicterus is a rare but devastating type of brain injury caused by very high levels of unconjugated bilirubin. This form of bilirubin can cross the blood-brain barrier and is toxic to brain cells.

This condition is preventable with early detection. However, the damage of kernicterus is usually lifelong.

How Does Kernicterus Affect a Baby?

Babies with kernicterus may develop movement problems, hearing loss, and difficulty looking upward. In severe cases, intellectual disabilities or seizures. The effects can vary depending on how long the brain has been exposed to high bilirubin levels and how quickly the baby is provided with the treatment.

Early detection is one of the most crucial factors with these two conditions. Monitoring the baby's skin colour, feeding pattern, and general behaviour during the first few days can help diagnose it before it becomes dangerous.

Parents need to seek medical help immediately if the baby becomes unusually sleepy, does not feed well, or their skin turns a deeper yellow. Remember that neonatal jaundice and kernicterus may be connected, but they are not the same.