Anjan Bhattacharya Author

Short Communication Open Access

Prevention of Kernicterus and Lowering the Incidence of Cerebral Palsy- An Upliftment of Rural Health Care In India

Author(s):

Asish Bhakta and Anjan Bhattacharya

Kernicterus is a bilirubin induced brain dysfunction that results from unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in a newborn. It can cause athetoid cerebral palsy, hearing loss and sometimes intellectual disabilities. Cerebral palsy is the leading cause of childhood disability affecting function and development. [1] The incidence of the condition has not changed in more than 4 decades. [2] Population-based studies from around the world report prevalence estimates of CP ranging from 1.5 to more than 4 per 1,000 live births. [3] In India, the estimated incidence is around 3/1000 live births. [4] About 60% of full-term newborns and 80% of premature babies get jaundice. [5] Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy and bilirubin encephalopathy (Kernicterus) are the principle causes of Athetoid Cerebral Palsy.... view more»

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