Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
WTF???
Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin, is found in 60% of newborn babies. It is caused by elevated levels of bilirubin, which is a byproduct of dead red blood cells. It only costs $1 to test newborns for bilirubin levels. A good reason to test the 60% of newborns with yellow skin is that it could possibly lead to kernicterus, brain damage that will affect the baby for the rest of his/her life.
What upsets me is that the American Association of Pediatrics fails to take jaundice seriously, stating that they do not want to exhibit an "alarmist" approach to such a rare possibility of brain damage. Although about 40 of the 4 million babies born annually in the U.S. are affected with kernicterus, these 40 babies could have had a chance to live a normal lifestyle. Instead, they are inflicted with cerebral palsy (permanent brain damage) and lack the ability to live independently.
Cal, a 12-year old boy with kernicterus once told his mom, "When I grow up, I want to be the best daddy in the world-but if I have a baby, I'm afraid I'll drop it."
A prospective indicator of brain damage is a compelling reason to be a bit alarmist, no matter how "rare" this occurence is.
What upsets me is that the American Association of Pediatrics fails to take jaundice seriously, stating that they do not want to exhibit an "alarmist" approach to such a rare possibility of brain damage. Although about 40 of the 4 million babies born annually in the U.S. are affected with kernicterus, these 40 babies could have had a chance to live a normal lifestyle. Instead, they are inflicted with cerebral palsy (permanent brain damage) and lack the ability to live independently.
Cal, a 12-year old boy with kernicterus once told his mom, "When I grow up, I want to be the best daddy in the world-but if I have a baby, I'm afraid I'll drop it."
A prospective indicator of brain damage is a compelling reason to be a bit alarmist, no matter how "rare" this occurence is.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
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