When bile cannot flow properly from the liver, it creates a buildup of bilirubin that can be dangerous for a newborn. Unlike other forms of jaundice, this is rare and requires immediate, attentive care.
Symptoms
- Yellow skin and eyes
- Dark urine
- Pale or gray stools
- Poor weight gain or failure to thrive
- Persistent jaundice lasting more than two weeks
What causes cholestatic jaundice?
Cholestatic jaundice is typically caused by problems with the liver or by blocked or missing bile ducts. In some cases, a serious underlying liver or metabolic issue can be the cause of cholestatic jaundice.
How can medical malpractice make cholestatic jaundice worse?
While medical staff typically can’t cause cholestatic jaundice, how they react to the situation as a whole can be cause for legal action. Staff may fail to test direct bilirubin or ignore pale stools/dark urine. Cholestatic jaundice can be misdiagnosed as a type of “normal newborn jaundice.” Symptoms may also worsen if the staff decides not to send the newborn to a pediatric specialist.
Serious injuries caused by cholestatic jaundice
Cholestatic jaundice may cause significant long-term injury to newborns, in particular to the liver. Permanent liver damage may require lifelong treatment or, in some cases, the need for a transplant. The newborn may also experience malnutrition and growth delays due to cholestatic jaundice.
Cholestatic jaundice is an extremely dangerous condition that can make the first few weeks of a newborn’s life difficult. If not treated quickly, those difficulties can create a lifetime of suffering for the newborn and their parents. If your newborn experienced cholestatic jaundice, don’t wait to speak with the team at Weisser Law.
Hospitals and insurance companies move fast to protect themselves and will actively fight to prevent paying for their mistakes. Having the right legal team on your side is critical for holding those accountable who are responsible for your child’s illness.
Contact the trusted team at Weisser Law today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll look at the facts of your case, answer your questions, and give a realistic expectation of the damages you can pursue.