[Neonatal jaundice: Clinical evaluation of a transcutaneous bilirubinometer]

Abstract

Background: Transcutaneous bilirubinometers provide non-invasive data on newborn jaundice. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the measurement of transcutaneous bilirubin can be correlated with serum bilirubin, and to find out whether gestational age, weight birth, race or hours of life affect those measurements.

Method: Descriptive observational cross-sectional study on a sample of 65 simultaneous measurement of transcutaneous (TcB) and serum bilirubin (TSB).

Results: The correlation coefficient between both methods was 0.923. Race, gestational age and birth weight tends to not have any effects on the levels of transcutaneous bilirubin.

Conclusion: Although bilirubinometer measurements tend to underestimate serum bilirubin, especially in patients with high levels, it is a useful technique as a screening tool in the evaluation of hyperbilirubinaemia.