Kernicterus is a serious type of brain damage that can occur in newborns with severe jaundice. Jaundice is a common condition in newborns that manifests as yellowing of the skin and eyes, caused by the buildup of a yellow-pigmented substance called bilirubin. Normally, the liver gets rid of bilirubin, but sometimes a newborn's liver is not mature enough to do this efficiently. In severe cases where the level of bilirubin gets extremely high, it can spread into the brain tissues, causing irreversible damage. This condition is known as kernicterus. Symptoms might include lethargy, poor feeding, high-pitched crying, and abnormal muscle movements. Over time, kernicterus can cause problems with vision, hearing, and motor skills, and may lead to intellectual disability.
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