BIND

Bilirubin-induced neurologic dysfunction (BIND) is a diagnosis that represents numerous neurological disorders. These disorders are typically related to the hyperbilirubinemia which is a condition in which in which the content of bilirubin in the blood is more than normal. Bilirubin is developed as a byproduct after the breakdown of heme. Heme itself is obtained after the breakdown of hemoproteins and hemoglobin.

If the Bilirubin in the blood exceeds the normal amount, then the baby will be at risk of contracting Jaundice. If the Bilirubin content in the blood reaches extreme levels, it may even lead to brain damage as the neuroprotective defenses are overwhelmed.

If your child suffers from issues related to Bilirubin Induced Neurologic Dysfunction, they may be entitled to compensation for these birth injuries.

Call 833-200-2000 to schedule a free consultation with the medical malpractice lawyers at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano.

Doctors must identify and treat hyperbilirubinemia to prevent brain injury. When they fail to do so, infants can suffer permanent brain damage. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our birth injury lawyers have the experience to seek damages for your losses. We have had many successes with complex birth injury cases. You can rely on our dedication to your case as we fight for the compensation your child will need for specialized medical treatment. We understand the financial and emotional battles you are facing.

One of the early warning signs of possible BIND is jaundice. Because jaundice is common, occurring in more than half of newborns, doctors may not consider it an indicator of excessive bilirubin. Blood tests should be performed to check bilirubin levels, especially if the infant has additional risk factors such as Rh disease or liver dysfunction. Failure to do these blood tests may be considered malpractice.

Very high levels of bilirubin in the blood can cause serious brain injury and additional neurological damage such as:

• Cerebral palsy
• Kernicterus
• Seizures
• Hearing loss
• Vision disability
• Movement disorders

Children who suffer these types of injuries will likely need a lifetime of medical care as well as special education and additional services.

Acute Bilirubin encephalopathy can be divided into 3 phases that span across a week after birth.

Phase 1

Symptoms of BIND in the First Phase are experienced within the first few days after birth and include decreased alertness, poor feeding, and hypotonia. If successfully detected at this point, BIND may be stopped from progressing through an intervention.

Phase 2

In the second phase of BIND, the child may develop Hypertonia symptoms in the extensor muscles. Infants may even experience a backward arching of the back and neck. Infants that have progressed towards the second phase of BIND will develop long term neurological disabilities.

Phase 3

The third phase starts after the 1 st week of birth has progressed. The typical symptom of Hypotonia continues at this stage but may have progressed over time.

Children beyond that age may then develop several disabilities. 65% may have the aforementioned symptoms whereas 25% may have some neurological effects. The remaining 15% may not exhibit any signs of BIND.

As the child reaches 1 year, the arching of the neck and back may be a telling symptom of the ailment whereas additional symptoms such as hearing impairment, movement disorders, ocular movement, dentition issues, and visual abnormalities may be observed.

The treatment for BIND needs to be done immediately and by removing the excess bilirubin from the blood mechanically. While the procedure may entail some risk, exchange transfusion is known as the definitive treatment for BIND. The treatment requires the removal of native blood in the baby's body and replacing it with CPD ("Citrate Phosphate Dextrose"). This procedure must be undertaken gradually over a period of several hours.

To schedule a free consultation, please call us at 833-200-2000 or contact us online. Our office provides legal services for all families in Syracuse and Upstate, New York. We offer evening and weekend appointments as well as home and hospital visits. As with any personal injury case, you will never be responsible for any legal fees unless we are able to recover compensation for your child.