Kernicterus in Two Generations: A Need for More Aggressive Preventive Measures

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Bilirubin induced brain damage is still a common cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigerian infants. No much success has been recorded in decades despite the fact that brain damage from bilirubin toxicity in the newborn is easily preventable with affordable and effective means. We report a case of a newborn with acute bilirubin encephalopathy. This case was considered of interest because the mother of the baby herself had kernicterus as a newborn now manifesting with features of choreoathetoid cerebral palsy. The baby was brought to our facility late just as how the mother was presented late to a health facility 30 years ago. The unfortunate occurence of brain damage from bilirubin toxicity in two successive generations calls for urgent attention. We advocate more aggressive and all-embracing preventive measures including routine home visit of newborns, awareness creation and health education and involvement of all stakeholders to nip this problem in the bud.