Can Jaundice Lead To Kernicterus?

Although rare, jaundice can lead to kernicterus if too much bilirubin builds up in a newborn baby’s blood and begins to damage the brain. Most babies who develop jaundice do not experience this progression. However, when jaundice becomes severe and is not recognised or treated quickly enough, the resulting brain injury can have lifelong consequences.

If your child has received a kernicterus diagnosis, you may be reflecting on the first days of their life and trying to understand how their condition developed. You may remember that their skin became yellow, that they were difficult to wake or feed, or that you raised concerns about changes in their behaviour. You may also have questions about blood test results, phototherapy or an exchange transfusion.