Abstract
Introduction: Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the most vexing problems that may occur in 60% of term and 80% of preterm neonates. In order to reduce the risk of developing serious hyperbilirubinemia, it is vital to identify jaundiced infants who are in need of treatment as soon as possible. The objectives of this study were to find whether transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measurement correlates with total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels, measured with standard laboratory method and to analyse the effect of gestational age, birth weight and postnatal life on TcB and TSB.Material and Methods: A prospective study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, Government Medical College, Amritsar on 300 neonates with visible jaundice. These neonates were divided into various groups depending upon gestational age, birth weight and day of life. TcB readings were recorded at forehead and sternum and serum bilirubin level was measured within 30 minutes. Test of significance applied was unpaired T-test; mean value, p-value, standard deviation and Pearson's correlation coefficient 'r' were calculated.Results: Overall Mean value TcB at forehead was 15.32 with SD ± 2.75, mean TcB at sternum was 14.94 with SD ±2.51, mean value of TSB was 13.80 with SD ±2.15. Pearson’s correlation coefficient r was 0.895 for TcB forehead vs TSB, 0.903 for TcB sternum vs TSB and 0.966 between TcB forehead vs TcB sternum.Conclusion: TcB levels correlates well with the gold standard measurement of TSB. Gestational age, birth weight and day of life had no effect on TcB and TSB correlation. Transcutaneous bilirubinometer can thus be used to measure bilirubin level as a screening method for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
Highlights
Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the most vexing problems that may occur in 60% of term and 80% of preterm neonates
In order to reduce the risk of developing serious hyperbilirubinemia, it is vital to identify jaundiced infants who are in need of treatment as soon as possible[10]
Our study investigated the correlation of transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) levels with total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels in the study population with the intent of using Transcutaneous bilirubinometer as a screening tool for clinically significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia
Summary
Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the most vexing problems that may occur in 60% of term and 80% of preterm neonates. The objectives of this study were to find whether transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measurement correlates with total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels, measured with standard laboratory method and to analyse the effect of gestational age, birth weight and postnatal life on TcB and TSB. Material and Methods: A prospective study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, Government Medical College, Amritsar on 300 neonates with visible jaundice These neonates were divided into various groups depending upon gestational age, birth weight and day of life. In neonates include pre-discharge TSB or TcB level in the high-risk zone, jaundice observed in the first 24 hours, blood group incompatibility (Rh/ABO), late preterm(35-36 weeks gestational age), h/o previous sibling having received phototherapy, cephalhaematoma or significant bruising, glucose-6-phosphatase dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and other hereditary haemolytic anaemias, exclusive breast feeding if nursing is not going well and weight loss is excessive. In order to reduce the risk of developing serious hyperbilirubinemia, it is vital to identify jaundiced infants who are in need of treatment as soon as possible[10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
