Kernicterus (policy currently in consultation)
The UK NSC policy on Kernicterus screening in newborns
More Information
Kernicterus is a complication of neonatal jaundice, leading to a form of brain damage that can cause death or long term effects including cerebral palsy and hearing loss. Premature babies are most at risk.
Policy Position
Screening should not be offered.
When replying to the current consultation, please use the comments form that you can download at the bottom of this page.
This policy is currently being reviewed as part of the UK NSC's regular review cycle of all policies.
The review process began in Jan 2012 and is estimated to be completed by Mar 2013.
» Download the expert review for Kernicterus (PDF document, 789KB)
The UK NSC welcomes comments and feedback on the expert review during the consultation period that lasts from 23 Mar 12 until 23 Jun 12. Please send comments to Esther Rose
When replying to a consultation, please state whether you are happy for your views to be made public on the UK NSC website or whether you would prefer them to be seen by UK NSC members only. We will assume comments can be published on the website unless told otherwise.
Evidence Supporting the Policy
See document below from November 2006 that reviews hyperbilirubinemia screening against the UK NSC criteria. The significance of hyperbilirubinemia derives primarily from its potential to cause kernicterus.
Also see the UK NSC summary for Kernicterus from February 2007 below.
Stakeholders
Royal College of Midwives
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
Royal College of Pathologists
The stakeholder groups will be involved when the policy is next reviewed. If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us.
Related documents
Consultation submission comments form (Word document, 48KB, 23/03/12)National Screening Committee: Screening for Kernicterus (February 2007) (PDF document, 5KB, 16/09/09)
Screening for Hyperbilirubinemia. Report prepared for the UK National Screening Committee (November 2006) (PDF document, 81KB, 16/09/09)
