Kernicterus is a condition that occurs in infants. The infant suffers from high levels of bilirubin, which is a byproduct of red blood cell waste. The bilirubin is normally filtered by the liver and sent to the gall bladder for excretion. However, in infants with kernicterus, these levels rise about normal and cause jaundice. The bilirubin enters the brain tissue, where it causes permanent damage to cells. This leads to brain damage and possible death of the infant.
Polycythemia
Polycythemia is a condition in which there is a high proportion of red blood cells in the fluids in the vessels. When too many blood vessels are present, the body works to send excessive red blood cells to the liver and spleen for degradation. This causes the liver and spleen to work overtime in breaking down the red blood cells in the body. Consequently, the high levels of red blood cells broken down lead to an abnormally high level of bilirubin.
High Levels of Bilirubin
Bilirubin is the waste product of the degraded red blood cells. Bilirubin levels are cleared from the infant's body in the liver. However, if bilirubin levels become too high, too quickly, the waste product travels out of the liver and into other tissue. One of these tissues is the brain. You can detect high levels of bilirubin by observing the baby for jaundice. Jaundice (yellowing) in the abdomen and upper torso are signs that can lead to the kernicterus condition. The term "kernicterus" is given when bilirubin enters the brain and causes damage.
Rh Incompatibility
Rh incompatibility is a condition in which the mother has Rh negative blood and the baby has Rh positive. Rh is a factor in the blood type of a human. Rh incompatibility can occur in the womb or during birth. When an Rh-negative mother gives birth to an Rh-positive infant, the mother's white blood cells (immune cells) may attack the baby's red blood cells, causing high levels of the waste product bilirubin. The high levels of bilirubin from Rh incompatibility can lead to jaundice and kernicterus.
