Correlation Between Transcutaneous and Serum Bilirubin in Healthy Neonates with Jaundice

Abstract

Background: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia poses major concern. Total serum bilirubin (TSB) measurement is invasive method. Transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) screening is an attractive modality as it is quick, non-invasive test to screen for hyperbilirubinemia. Objective: To determine the correlation between transcutaneous and serum bilirubin measurements in healthy neonates with jaundice. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of Pediatrics, King Edward Medical University, Lahore from July to December 2018. Total of 95 neonates of clinically suspected jaundice, aged from 24 hours upto 28 days of either gender, gestational age 36-40 weeks and birth weight ≥2000 grams were included by non-probability consecutive sampling. Each baby was subjected to serum bilirubin measurements. Three measurements were taken via the transcutaneous bilirubinometer, taking the average value to be used for analysis. Newborn was labeled as having jaundice when bilirubin was >5mg/dl. Data were analyzed through SPSS version 22. Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed to estimate coefficient of correlation between transcutaneous and serum bilirubin measurements. Results: A total of 95 neonates with jaundice were enrolled. Correlation between TcB and TSB measurements was 0.885 (p value <0.01). There was also positive correlation between TcB and TSB measurements for age-at-admission [r=0.803 for <7 days, r= 0.961 for 7-21 days (p value <0.01)], gender [r=0.903 for males, r=0.804 for females, (p value <0.01)], gestational age [r=0.926 for <37 weeks gestation, r= 0.845 for 37-40 weeks (p value <0.01)], and birth weight [r=0.933 for birth weight <2500grams, r= 0.806 for birth weight 2500-3500 grams (p value <0.01)]. Conclusion: There was strong positive correlation between transcutaneous and serum bilirubin measurements in healthy neonates.