The Utility of Transcutaneous Bilirubin Measurement in Newborns with Hyperbilirubinemia: A Prospective, Observational Study during and after Phototherapy.
Duygu Besnili Acar, Seda Yilmaz Semerci
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In 30 seconds
This prospective observational study assessed transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) accuracy during phototherapy and 12 and 24 hours after treatment in term and late-preterm newborns. Investigators compared measurements from covered skin sites with simultaneously collected total serum bilirubin (TSB). Among 90 infants, 540 paired bilirubin values showed moderate correlation, but TcB tended to underestimate TSB and had considerable variability relative to it. The authors concluded that TcB cannot be relied on as a substitute for serum measurement during or after phototherapy.
Key findings
- The study included 90 newborn infants and 540 paired TcB and TSB values.
- TcB showed moderate correlation with TSB but tended to underestimate serum bilirubin, with considerable variability between methods.
- The lower abdomen, covered by the diaper, was identified as a more practical site for TcB measurement.
Why it matters
Bilirubin assessment during and after phototherapy informs evaluation of treatment response. Because TcB measurements may underestimate TSB and vary considerably, relying on them alone could miss higher serum bilirubin levels. These findings highlight the importance of interpreting non-invasive measurements cautiously in this setting.
What to keep in mind
The study assessed measurements only during phototherapy and up to 24 hours after it ended; accuracy beyond that period was not evaluated.