In a rare special alert, the organization that accredits hospitals yesterday issued guidelines aimed at testing all newborns at risk for a rare condition that leads to serious brain damage if left untreated. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations said it will be on the lookout for how hospitals test jaundiced newborns for bilirubin in the blood.
High levels can lead to kernicterus or brain damage.
The condition is sometimes fatal. Bilirubin, a naturally occurring byproduct of decomposing red blood cells, is excreted by the liver and can cause jaundice or a yellowing of the skin. While jaundice is common in newborns, whose livers are undeveloped, it usually disappears on its own. But unusually high levels of bilirubin in the blood can cause kernicterus. The debilitating condition is easily preventable by testing and treatment of those with high levels.