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Covered skin transcutaneous bilirubin estimation is comparable with serum bilirubin during and after phototherapy

Journal of Perinatology volume 32, pages 129–131 (2012)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective:

To determine whether transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) from covered skin (TcB-C) during and after discontinuing phototherapy (PHT) is reliable in treating neonatal jaundice.

Study Design:

In this prospective observational study, before starting PHT, part of the forehead was covered. TcB-C and TcB from exposed skin (TcB-E) to PHT were measured before starting PHT, on a 12-hourly basis while receiving PHT and 6 h after stopping PHT. We used ANOVA (analysis of variance) and Bonferroni's t-tests.

Result:

A total of 39 infants were enrolled (mean gestation 39 weeks, 51% males and 80% Hispanic). The mean TSB over all time periods was 10.9±2.4, TcB-C 10.9±2.4 and TcB-E 7.2±3.4. Before PHT, there were no significant differences in bilirubin by all three techniques. TcB-C was not significantly different from TSB at any time point. However, TcB-E was significantly lower during PHT and after stopping PHT.

Conclusion:

TcB-C is a reliable method in the management of neonatal jaundice.

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Acknowledgements

This study could have not been possible without the help of Brandi Listi NP, Wendie Saenz NP, Audrey Sanders NP and the nurses in the newborn nursery.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA

    R Fonseca, R Kyralessa, M Malloy, J Richardson & S K Jain

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  1. R Fonseca
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  2. R Kyralessa
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  3. M Malloy
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  4. J Richardson
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  5. S K Jain
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Correspondence to S K Jain.

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The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Fonseca, R., Kyralessa, R., Malloy, M. et al. Covered skin transcutaneous bilirubin estimation is comparable with serum bilirubin during and after phototherapy. J Perinatol 32, 129–131 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2011.66

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2011.66

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