Transcutaneous Bilirubinometry During Phototherapy in Preterm Infants

Background: Taking blood for bilirubin measurement is a common cause of blood sampling in premature in-fants. Transcutaneous bilirubinometry is a method of bilirubin measurement and its value in term newborns is well established. In some studies, transcutaneous bilirubinometry has been accepted for premature babies who did not receive phototherapy. However its value in assessment of bilirubin in preterm babies undergoing photo-therapy is not well known. The aim of present study was evaluation the accuracy of transcutaneous bilirubinometry in preterm neonates during phototherapy. Methods: We enrolled preterm newborns admitted to the neonatal unit of Shahid Beheshti hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences with gestational age of 26-36 weeks and age of 2-22 days who needed blood sampling for determination of plasma bilirubin level. We measured bilirubin using BiliCheck from glabella and sternum within 30 minutes of blood sampling. Findings: We assessed 72 preterm infants with mean birth weight of 1381.7 gram and mean gestational age of 30.03 weeks. There were significant correlation between transcutaneous bilirubinometry of glabella and serum bilirubin levels (P < 0.05; r = 0.83). There were also correlation between transcutaneous bilirubinometry of sternal region and serum bilirubin levels but this was weaker than glabella (P < 0.05; r = 0.55). Conclusion: Measurement of bilirubin with transcutaneous bilirubinometry from covered area of glabella in preterm infants undergoing phototherapy could be a useful predictor of serum bilirubin level. With this method, we could reduce blood sampling in preterm neonates. So, the need for blood transfusion, the pain from taking blood and its side effects will be reduced. Keywords: Premature infant, phototherapy, jaundice, transcutaneous bilirubinometry.