MEAN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRANSCUTANEOUS AND SERUM BILIRUBIN MEASUREMENTS

ABSTRACT

Background:

Total Serum bilirubin (TSB) is considered as the most authentic method for determining bilirubin levels. However, Transcutaneous Bilirubinometer, uses photometry to detect bilirubin level and can be considered as a reliable tool to assess bilirubin for the screening of neonatal jaundice in term neonates

Objective:

To determine the mean difference between Transcutaneous bilirubin and serum bilirubin among jaundiced neonates.

Methods:

This cross sectional study was conducted at Neonatal Intensive unit, Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi. Total 150 patients, with clinical jaundice were included. Transcutaneous measurements were taken by application of Drager JM-105 (transcutaneous bilirubinometer) to the sternum of infants. Three readings were taken and the average value was recorded. Blood samples were obtained and Serum bilirubin was estimated. The difference of bilirubin in TcB and TSB techniques was calculated and compared using student t-test. Descriptive statistics were also calculated. Stratification was done and poststratification again student t-test was applied. P-value ≤0.05 was taken as significant in all analysis.

Results:

There were 78.7% male and 21.3% female patients. Mean age was 4.50±3.19 days. Mean weight of neonates was 2253.93±533.59 grams. Mean gestational age was 36.14±1.04 weeks. Mean bilirubin level in TcB and TSB was 13.04±4.07 mg/dl and 12.79±5.49 mg/dl respectively. The difference of bilirubin in TSB and TCB was -0.246±2.53 mg/dl and was not significant.

Conclusion:

There was no significant mean difference of bilirubin in TCB and TSB techniques, therefore, Transcutaneous bilirubinometery can be accepted as a good device for the screening of neonatal jaundice.

Keywords:

Difference, Transcutaneous Bilirubin, Serum Bilirubin, Jaundice, Neonates

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