Article Text
Abstract
Introduction Neonatal jaundice is one of the most frequent diagnostic and therapeutic problems. It is estimated that 60% of term neonates and 80% of premature neonates present jaundice in their first week of life. Often, everyday measurements of bilirubin are needed, for early diagnosis and treatment. There are three methods of bilirubin measurement: the serum bilirubin measurement, the capillary and the transcutaneoust. Transcutaneous method is referred to be reliable related to other invasive methods of measurement, at least for low bilirubin prices.
Aim The comparison of measurement results of non-invasive transcutaneous method with capillary plasma bilirubin method.
Methods All the bilirubin measurements during the time period from 25/01/2016 to 18/02/2016 in the neonates of our Clinic.
Results There were 59 bilirubin measurements in 49 newborns. At first, the capillary method was used and then the transcutaneous. The statistical analysis showed that the two methods have normal distribution. The capillary method highlighted a price range of 3,90 mg/dl- 13,20 mg/dl (SD=2,03) and the transcutaneous method showed a range from 4,3 mg/dl to 15,5 mg/dl (SD=2,45). The Pearson Correlation coefficcient of the two methods was 0,903, showing a positive significant correlation (p<0,01).
Conclusion Transcutaneous method can replace the capillary method, in order to have an everyday, non- invasive method of bilirubin measurement. However, in bilirubin prices>15 mg/dl, or when a therapeutic intervention is needed, the laboratory measurement is necessary.