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In the Spring 2008 Newsletter
Kernicterus Threatens Healthy Newborns
By Terrance J. Cirocco, Detroit, MI
INTRODUCTION
Jaundice occurs in most newborn infants. While most parents
and attorneys have some personal experience with jaundiced newborns,
the complication of kernicterus is extremely rare. This article
will acquaint the medical malpractice practitioner with kernicterus
and assist with the screening of potential kernicterus cases
should they come across one’s desk.
KERNICTERUS AND JAUNDICE
The first link between high bilirubin levels and brain damage
was established in the early 1950’s. Kernicterus was originally
a pathologic diagnosis characterized by bilirubin staining of
the brain stem nuclei and cerebellum. Presently, the diagnosis
of kernicterus is used interchangeably with . . .
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CNS TRAUMA: IMAGING
FINDINGS
By C. Douglas Phillips, M.D., FACR
Traumatic brain injury is a significant cause of morbidity
and mortality in the United States, with an estimated incidence
of 95 per 100,000 population. Motor vehicle accidents, sports
and leisure-related activities, falls, and assault are all common
factors, and unfortunately, young adults are often involved.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has its highest incidence in young
adults, aged 15 to 24 years. A high rate of patients who suffer
traumatic brain injury die from their injuries. Considerable
resources go into the emergent transport, evaluation, and treatment
of these patients.
Spinal injuries also affect an often young and vital segment
of the population. There have been a number of initiatives to
gain the public support for spinal cord research, and a number
of high-profile cases which have been in the spotlight. Complete
spinal cord injuries remain a large problem in the entirety
of traumatic injuries, and a major cause of morbidity and mortality.
Rehabilitation and treatment of spinal cord injuries has achieved
more insight into the pathology of cord injury, but little success
in regaining function lost at the time of injury.
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This paper, available free to members of the Professional Negligence
Section, was presented at the 2007 AAJ Annual Convention in
Chicago. Copyright © 2007 American Association for Justice.
Further reproduction of any kind is prohibited. For more information,
call AAJ Education at (800) 622-1791. To purchase other papers,
visit the AAJ
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