Reading in Infectious Diseases in Children 14(7)p.18. July 2001
The original of the info on Bilirubin Sentinnel event (JCAHO) can be found
in MMWR. 2001;50[23]:491-494.
Kernicterus in Full Term Infants - US 1994-1999.  I was unable to access it
via website [log in to unmask]

this title is also different from what I originally heard - 80 babies since
1984.  If it is 80 babies since 1994-1999 (5 years) that is a different
story.
>From IDC article:
"The guidelines and recommendations for hospitals include evaluating all
cases of jaundice appearing in the first 24 hours, creating detailed
treatment strategies for specific levels of bilirubin, providing medical
follow-up for newborns 24-48 hours after discharge, educating parents about
jaundice and its potential risk and providing proper equipment to detect and
treat the condition."

Risk factors listed include: "jaundice appearing in first 24 hours after
birth, premature birth (born 3-5 weeks early); inadequate nutrition and
hydration RESULTING FROM INSUFFICIENT BREAST-FEEDING; bruising, which
increases the production of bilirubin; ethnicity (Asian-American,
African-American and those of Mediterrean descent) and siblings who
experienced significant jaundice."

I just hope (ha) that everyone manages to hold on to their commonsense and
realize that IDing risk factors and ensuring ADEQUATE BREASTFFEDING and
TIMELY follow-up post discahrge is appropriate.  Not going overboard on
this!  But I'm an optimist and a dreamer!!!!!   Sincerely, Pat in SNJ

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