Bilirubin-Induced Neurologic Dysfunction (BIND)

Bilirubin-induced neurologic dysfunction (BIND) is a diagnosis attached to a variety of neurological disorders associated with hyperbilirubinemiaHyperbilirubinemia is a condition where there is too much bilirubin in the blood.  Bilirubin is a natural byproduct of the breakdown of heme, including the breakdown of hemoglobin and hemoproteins. 

Excess bilirubin in the blood can lead to jaundice.  Extremely high levels of bilirubin can overwhelm a baby's neuroprotective defenses and insult the brain, causing brain  damage and neurological disorders with permanent disabilities. 

In addition to brain damage, neurological injuries stemming from a bilirubin insult include:
  • acute bilirubin encephalopathy;
  • kerniceteric sequelae;
  • isolated auditory neuropathy (hearing loss);
  • extrapyramidal movement disorders;
  • neuromotor disorders; and
  • visual disabilities.
Because it is very easy for doctors and hospitals to visually observe and perform testing to monitor for jaundice, including plotting on a Bhutani nomogram, there is a high association between medical malpractice and bilirubin-related injuries to infants, especially in babies born:
  • prematurely (i.e. born early);
  • with blood group incompatibility (between mother and fetus); and
  • with bruising and birth trauma (such as cephalohematomas and caputs).
The trial lawyers at Bottar Law, PLLC, have decades of experience investigating, prosecuting and trying to verdict medical malpractice, birth injury and hospital negligence cases involving bilirubin toxicity.  If your baby has been diagnosed with a bilirubin-induced neurological disorder, you and your family may be entitled to compensation for lifelong health care, medical expenses, medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. 
