John Menkes, 79; neurologist identified congenital disorders Dec 5, 2008
The infant had been diagnosed with kernicterus, a form of brain damage caused by jaundice. In talking to the mother, Dr. Menkes learned that the urine of two earlier children who had died had an unusual odor, while that of a daughter who lived did not. (Boston Globe)
Simple Test Accurately Predicts Risk Of Serious Jaundice In Newborns Jan 13, 2008
Of those, about 60 percent will develop jaundice in the first few days of life, but only about 1 in 100,000 will develop bilirubin levels that cause brain damage, known as kernicterus. The authors caution that the study has a few limitations, including a small sample size. (Science Daily)
Test all infants for jaundice, doctors say Jun 16, 2007
If undiagnosed or diagnosed too late, those severely jaundiced babies can develop kernicterus, a life-threatening condition affecting the brain and causing long-term neurological damage ... According to the new guidelines, after an initial blood test after birth, babies diagnosed with hyperbilirubinemia (an increase of bilirubin, the yellowy byproduct that results from the breakdown of hemoglobin, and causes jaundice and can lead to kernicterus) would be monitored and, if necessary, treated... (Globe and Mail)
Blue light treats sick Mennonite children May 22, 2007
The doctor told them about bilirubin levels and the dangers of kernicterus, the brain disorder that killed their nephew. Bring the baby back for blood tests every month, the doctor told them. (MSNBC -- Health)
More of this story Mar 7, 2007
Death or serious disability (kernicterus) associated with hyperbilirubinemia in neonates 0. 17. (Linton Daily Citizen, IN)
