What is the primary concern regarding babies affected by excessive jaundice?

The primary concern regarding babies affected by excessive jaundice is brain damage, specifically a condition known as kernicterus. When bilirubin levels rise significantly, the excess bilirubin can cross the blood-brain barrier and deposit in the brain tissues, leading to potential neurological damage. This can manifest in serious long-term outcomes, such as cerebral palsy, auditory deficits, and developmental delays.

Timely recognition and treatment of jaundice are essential to prevent these severe complications, which is why monitoring bilirubin levels closely in neonates is crucial. Other concerns, while important, do not carry the same immediate risk of irreversible damage as excessive jaundice does.