Some existing factors can determine if your baby is at a higher risk of developing Kernicterus:
Elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood system
Rapidly rising levels of bilirubin in the blood system
Babies who have not received treatment for newborn jaundice
Mother and child sharing a similar blood group
The lack of an enzyme (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) that helps red blood cells work as they should
Low birth weight
Premature birth
Darker skin color that makes jaundice harder to notice
Gilbert’s syndrome — a medical condition that results in higher levels of bilirubin