In today's local newspaper there's quite a lengthy article discussing the
"resurgence" of kernicterus - 90 cases and 3 deaths since 1984 (out of 4
million births a year).  I don't understand how there can be a "resurgence"
if it had never previously been documented in a healthy term newborn.  But
if they're not talking about healthy term newborns the article didn't say
so.

The article referred to a Jeffrey Maisels, MD, who is heading an AAP
subcommittee that's revising the 1994 jaundice guidelines.

According to the article, "Babies at increased risk for jaundice include
those born a few weeks prematurely, those who may be improperly nourished
because of inefficient breastfeeding, and those who have siblings who have
had jaundice."

In all, it's not a very clear article, but it carries a big headline:
"Untreated jaundice results in damage to infants' brains."  Has anyone else
seen a similar article?  Do we know why?

Diane Wiessinger, MS, IBCLC  Ithaca, NY
www.wiessinger.baka.com

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