Transcutaneous bilirubinometry in newborns
Christo, G.G.; Kamath, S.; Aroor, A.R.; Venkatesh, A.
Indian Pediatrics 25(11): 1073-1077
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-6061 PMID: 3074055 Document Number: 307495
The accuracy of transcutaneous bilirubinometry was examined using the Minolta jaundice meter. In 138 newborn infants simultaneous jaundice meter readings and serum bilirubin estimations were performed. The correlation was high (r = 0.90). The jaundice meter was found to be useful in the various subgroups tested: term, preterm, SGA, infants on phototherapy, and infants with high bilirubin levels (.gtoreq. 13 mg/dl). Data from all subgroups of infants showed high sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values. This study confirms the usefulness of the jaundice meter in the assessment of neonatal jaundice. Based on our data we conclude that the jaundice meter correlates well with serum bilirubin levels even in severe hyperbilirubinemia.