Transcutaneous bilirubin in predicting hyperbilirubinemia in term neonates.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the utility of 24 and 48 hours transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) index for predicting subsequent significant hyperbilirubinemia in healthy term neonates.


METHODS
TcB indices were obtained for healthy, breastfed, term AGA newborns at 24 +/- 2, 48 +/- 2 and subsequently at intervals of 24 hours. Neonates with illness, on treatment and positive Direct Coomb's test were excluded. Serum bilirubin levels were obtained whenever indicated. Neonates having serum bilirubin > or = 17 mg/dL were considered as significant hyperbilirubinemia. The 24 and 48 hour TcB indices, as risk predictors for such hyperbilirubinemia were determined.


RESULTS
Study included 461 healthy term neonates. The mean birth weight was 2949 (+/- 390) gm and mean gestation of 38.6 (+/- 1.1) weeks. Eight one (17.6%) had significant hyperbilirubinemia. Of 461, 135 (29.3%) had TcB index.


CONCLUSIONS
The 24 and 48 hour TcB indices are predictive for subsequent significant hyperbilirubinemia and can guide clinician in early discharge of healthy term newborns.
Bhat
Y Ramesh
YR
Department of Pediatrics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, Udupi District, Karnataka State, India. docrameshbhat@yahoo.co.in
Rao
Amitha
A
D001663:Bilirubin / Q000378:metabolism*; D001724:Birth Weight; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D051556:Hyperbilirubinemia, Neonatal / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D015997:Neonatal Screening / Q000379:methods*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism*; D013997:Time Factors
D001663:Bilirubin