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Published on: December 31, 2015
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Bilirubin Measurement Through a Smartphone Application in Preterm Infants
Huseyin Ustun1, Mehmet Yekta Oncel2, Melike Kefeli3
1Neonatology, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital Clinics, Konak, Turkey.
Klinische Padiatrie
|December 20, 2022
Summary
A smartphone app (BiliScan) offers a feasible, non-invasive method for monitoring infant jaundice. While reliable for term infants, its moderate correlation in preterm infants requires cautious interpretation.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Medical Technology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Neonatal jaundice is a common condition requiring monitoring.
- Accurate bilirubin level assessment is crucial for preventing complications in newborns.
- Traditional methods can be invasive and resource-intensive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and reliability of a smartphone application for monitoring bilirubin levels in preterm infants.
- To compare smartphone-based measurements with standard clinical methods.
Main Methods:
- A smartphone application (BiliScan) was used to measure bilirubin levels in preterm infants (<35 weeks gestational age).
- Measurements were simultaneously obtained using a transcutaneous device (Dräger JM 105) and venous blood biochemistry.
- Infants requiring phototherapy in the preceding 12 hours were excluded.
Main Results:
- A strong positive correlation (ICC=0.915) was observed between total serum bilirubin (TSB) and transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measurements.
- A moderate correlation (ICC=0.512) was found between TSB and BiliScan measurements.
- BiliScan demonstrated a moderate correlation in preterm infants, unlike its reported high correlation in term infants.
Conclusions:
- The smartphone application (BiliScan) presents a potentially low-cost, non-invasive alternative for neonatal jaundice monitoring.
- While feasible, the moderate correlation in preterm infants necessitates cautious interpretation of results.
- Further validation is recommended for widespread clinical adoption in preterm populations.
