Can we Rely on Transcutaneous Bilirbinometry during Phototherapy?

Abstract

Background: Neonatal jaundiceis one of the main reasons for prolonged hospitalization in newborns, and its progress and treatment depends on serum bilirubin values. Phototherapy remains the mainstay of treatment of pathological jaundice in newborn babies. Though, transcutaneous bilirubinometer has been used as a screening device for measuring bilirubin, its role during phototherapy has always been questioned. Objective: To study the correlation between Transcutaneous bilirubinometer (TcB) values with serum bilirubin levels (TSB) in infants during phototherapy in term and late preterm babies. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in a tertiary new-born center from November 2014 to June 2016. The inclusion criteria included all babies above 34 weeks gestation and exclusion criteria included babies with established direct hyperbilirubinemia, neonatal septicemia, major congenital/ gastrointestinal malformations, and those on phototherapy