Measuring transcutaneous bilirubin: a comparative analysis of three devices on a multiracial population

• Main Authors: Raimondi Francesco (Author), Lama Silvia (Author), Landolfo Francesca (Author), Sellitto Maria (Author), Borrelli Angela (Author), Maffucci Rosalba (Author), Milite Paola (Author), Capasso Letizia (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: BMC, 2012-06-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.1186/1471-2431-12-70; 1471-2431
• Keywords: Pediatrics; RJ1-570
• Source: BMC Pediatrics, Vol 12, Iss 1, p 70 (2012)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Hyperbilirubinemia can lead to potentially irreversible bilirubin-induced neurotoxicity. Transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) determination has become a valuable aid in non invasive screening of neonatal jaundice.</p> <p>The aim of this study is to compare the performance of three most widespread transcutaneous bilirubinometers on a multiracial population of term and late pre-term neonates.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Bilirubin concentration was determined using traditional photometric determination and transcutaneously with Bilicheck, BiliMed and JM-103, in random order.</p> <p>Total serum bilirubin (TSB) was determined over a wide concentration range (15,8-0,7 mg/dl) with a mean of 9,5 mg/dl. Related TcB values using Bilicheck (TcB-BC), BiliMed (TcB-BM), and JM-103 (TcB-JM) are reported in Table 1.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A multiracial population of 289 neonates was enrolled with a gestational age ranging from 35 to 41 weeks; birth weight ranging from 1800to 4350 grams; hours of life ranging from 4 to 424. In the total study population correlation analysis using Pearson coefficients showed good results for Bilicheck (r = 0.86) and JM-103 (r = 0.85) but poor for BiliMed (r = 0,70). Similar results were found for the non-Caucasian neonates subgroup. Bilicheck and JM-103 had a greater area under the curve than BiliMed when TSB =14 mg/dl was chosen as a threshold value both for the total study population and the non-Caucasian subgroup.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Bilicheck and JM-103, but not BiliMed, are equally reliable screening tools for hyperbilirubinemia in our multiracial neonatal population.</p>