Hyperbilirubinemia and transcutaneous bilirubinometry

Samar N. El-Beshbishi, Karen E. Shattuck, Amin A. Mohammad, John R. Petersen

Research output: Contribution to journalShort surveypeer-review

58 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Neonatal jaundice or hyperbilirubinemia is a common occurrence in newborns. Although most cases of neonatal jaundice have a benign course, severe hyperbilirubinemia can lead to kernicterus, which is preventable if the hyperbilirubinemia is identified early and treated appropriately. CONTENT: This review discusses neonatal jaundice and the use of transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measurements for identification of neonates at risk of severe hyperbilirubinemia. Such a practice requires appropriate serial testing and result interpretation according to risk level from a nomogram that provides bilirubin concentrations specific for the age of the neonate in hours. In this context, we have evaluated the potential impact on clinical outcome and limitations of TcB methods in current use. SUMMARY: TcB measurement is a viable option in screening neonates to determine if they are at risk for clinically significant hyperbilirubinemia. Total serum bilirubin should be measured by a clinical laboratory if a newborn is shown to be at higher risk for clinically significant hyperbilirubinemia. In addition, external quality assessment to identify biases and operator training issues should be part of any TcB monitoring program.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1280-1287
Number of pages8
JournalClinical chemistry
Volume55
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2009

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Hyperbilirubinemia and transcutaneous bilirubinometry'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this