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Measurement of the Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Transjugular Liver Biopsy
Published on: June 18, 2020
Hyperbilirubinemia and transcutaneous bilirubinometry
Samar N el-Beshbishi1, Karen E Shattuck, Amin A Mohammad
1Department of Medical Parasitology, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
Clinical Chemistry
|May 16, 2009
Summary
Transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) screening effectively identifies newborns at risk of severe jaundice. Follow-up laboratory testing is recommended for high-risk infants to prevent kernicterus.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Neonatal jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia) is common, with severe cases potentially leading to preventable kernicterus.
- Early identification and appropriate treatment of hyperbilirubinemia are crucial for preventing kernicterus.
- Transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measurements offer a method for identifying neonates at risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the use of TcB measurements in identifying neonates at risk of severe hyperbilirubinemia.
- To evaluate the clinical impact and limitations of current TcB methods.
- To assess the role of TcB in neonatal jaundice management.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on transcutaneous bilirubinometry in neonates.
- Analysis of TcB methods for risk stratification based on nomograms.
- Evaluation of clinical outcomes associated with TcB screening.
Main Results:
- TcB measurement is a viable screening tool for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
- Serial TcB testing and interpretation using age-specific nomograms are essential.
- TcB screening can help identify infants requiring further laboratory assessment.
Conclusions:
- TcB measurement is a valuable option for screening neonates for hyperbilirubinemia risk.
- Total serum bilirubin testing is indicated for newborns identified as high-risk via TcB.
- Quality assessment and operator training are vital components of TcB monitoring programs.
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