Which one of the following is a complication of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia?

Correct option is A

Ans. (a) Kernicterus
Sol. Kernicterus is a severe neurological complication of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, occurring when unconjugated bilirubin crosses the blood-brain barrier and deposits in the brain's basal ganglia, leading to irreversible brain damage, movement disorders, and hearing loss.
Explanation of each option:
(a) Kernicterus – Correct answer. A serious complication of severe jaundice leading to neurological damage.
(b) Hepatitis – Incorrect. Liver inflammation, usually due to viral infection, not related to hyperbilirubinemia.
(c) Icterus – Incorrect. Another term for jaundice, which is a symptom, not a complication.
(d) Down’s syndrome – Incorrect. A genetic disorder, unrelated to neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.