Jaundice is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal yellow coloring of the skin and whites of the eyes. This condition is caused by the buildup of bilirubin--a digestive fluid produced by the liver--within the body. Jaundice is common in newborn infants, and the symptoms typically resolve without treatment. Infants with persistent jaundice symptoms that do not resolve within one to two weeks should be evaluated by a doctor to ensure that appropriate treatment is received. Severe cases of jaundice, though rare, can cause significant complications if left untreated.
Acute Bilirubin Encephalopathy
An infant with severe jaundice has excessive levels of bilirubin in the blood. When this substance accumulates, it can damage an infant's brain cells--a condition referred to as acute bilirubin encephalopathy. Infant symptoms of this jaundice complication can include fever; poor feeding; frequent, high-pitched crying; or unusual arching of the body or neck, according to the Mayo Clinic. Without treatment, acute bilirubin encephalopathy can lead to permanent brain damage.
Kernicterus
Irreversible brain damage caused by toxic levels of bilirubin within the body can cause a jaundice complication called kernicterus, reports Up To Date, a peer-reviewed medical information website for patients. This condition is an advanced form of acute bilirubin encephalopathy and cannot be treated. Infants or children with kernicterus can develop symptoms that include hearing loss; uncontrolled body movements; or cognitive and developmental impairment. Certain patients can also exhibit a permanent upward gaze as a result of kernicterus, says the Mayo Clinic.
Deafness
Severe, untreated jaundice in infants can lead to deafness in certain cases, explains Medline Plus, an online medical encyclopedia supported by the National Institutes of Health. Deafness, or the complete loss of hearing, is typically permanent and can have a significant impact on the way an infant interacts with the world as he or she gets older.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy--a condition that affects normal body movement--can occur as a jaundice complication in certain infants or children. Symptoms of this condition include poor muscle coordination; exaggerated, involuntary reflexes; unusual muscle tone; muscle tremors; difficulty walking; excessive drooling; or slurred speech. These symptoms are due to brain damage caused by high levels of bilirubin within the body and may not become apparent until an infant is old enough to begin crawling or walking.
