Complications of Jaundice

print the page

email the page

Complications of jaundice

There are some complications that can result due to jaundice:

Kernicterus (Bilirubin Encephalopathy)

This rare neurological disorder is a complication which occurs in some newborn babies that have severe jaundice, which is caused when their level of bilirubin is too high. If the amount of bilirubin in the baby's body is extremely high or if the baby is very sick, the bilirubin can start to move out of the blood and into the brain which can lead to very serious neurological complications such as brain damage. The only way to prevent this complication is to diagnose and treat jaundice as soon as possible.

Liver failure

If the cause of the jaundice (particularly in adults and children) is not treated or managed effectively and the condition is particularly severe and adversely affects the liver in a major way (severe obstruction of the liver or bile ducts), it can result in liver failure.

^ top

Sections: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

< 5: risk factors 7: when to see a doctor >

Last reviewed: 29 January 2009 || Last updated: 21 December 2009

Alpha-lipoic acid (other nutrients)
Carnitine (amino acids)
Choline (vitamins)
Co-enzyme Q10 (other nutrients)
Cysteine (amino acids)
Essential amino acids (glossary)
Fever (glossary)
Fever (health conditions)
Folic acid (vitamins)
Fruit (food groups)
Glutathione (amino acids)
Immune system (glossary)
Lecithin (other nutrients)
Liver cirrhosis (conditions)
Malaria (conditions)
Methionine (amino acids)
Milk thistle (other nutrients)
Omega-3 (glossary)
Q Fever (conditions)
Red blood cells (glossary)
Thymus gland (glossary)
Vegetables (food groups)
Vitamin A (vitamins)
Vitamin C (vitamins)
Vitamin E (vitamins)
Vitamin K (vitamins)
White blood cells (glossary)

NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.

Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.

^ top

Health Conditions - For Everyone