Transcutaneous Bilirubin Assessment for Screening of Hyperbilirubinemia in Term and Near-Term Neonates with Jaundice, a Comparative Study

Abstract

Introduction: Hyperbilirubinemia is a common condition in neonates. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of total serum bilirubin (TSB) with sternum transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) level obtained by KJ-8000 Transcutaneous bilirubin meter (KEJIAN medical apparatus). Methods: Eighty newborns were enrolled in the present prospective cross-sectional study. At first, blood sampling was performed for determination of TSB, and immediately after that, TcB levels were recorded at the sternum skin by KJ-8000 device. Data was analyzed by statistical software SPSS version 21.0. Results: The mean gestational age of the infants was 38.2±1.5 weeks. The mean level of TSB was 13.52±4 mg/dL, while the mean value of TcB was 13.71±3.53 mg/dL. Pearson correlation analysis showed a correlation coefficient of r=0.770 between sternum TcB recorded by KJ-8000 device and TSB. Conclusion: Given a strong correlation between TcB and TSB levels, it is advised the transcutaneous bilirubinometery be considered as the screening method in infant jaundice.