Transcutaneous Bilirubin Assessment for Screening of Hyperbilirubinemia in Term and NearTerm Neonates With Jaundice: A Comparative Study

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 KJ8000 Transcutaneous bilirubin meter (KEJIAN medical apparatus). Methods: Eighty newborns were enrolled in the present prospective crosssectional study. At first, blood sampling was performed for determination of TSB, and immediately after that, TcB levels were recorded at the sternum skin by KJ8000 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 KJ8000 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.