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Published on: March 21, 2015
[Selection of location for transcutaneous bilirubinometry in light therapy]
Insights
Measuring jaundice index in neonates requires careful site selection. Covering the forehead during phototherapy provides more accurate readings by avoiding treatment interference.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Medical Instrumentation
Context:
- Neonatal jaundice is common, necessitating accurate monitoring.
- Phototherapy is a standard treatment for hyperbilirubinemia in newborns.
- Transcutaneous bilirubinometry is a non-invasive method for assessing jaundice.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the impact of phototherapy on transcutaneous bilirubin measurements.
- To determine the optimal site for measuring jaundice index in neonates undergoing phototherapy.
- To compare the accuracy of jaundice index readings on covered versus uncovered skin sites.
Summary:
- Sixty-four jaundiced neonates had their jaundice index measured using a transcutaneous bilirubinometer on both forehead and superciliary arch (covered during phototherapy).
- The uncovered forehead site showed a significant decrease in jaundice index post-therapy, followed by a rebound 12 hours later.
- The covered superciliary arch site readings remained stable, unaffected by phototherapy.
Impact:
- Suggests the superciliary arch as a superior site for jaundice index measurement during phototherapy.
- Highlights the importance of site selection to ensure accurate assessment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
- Aims to improve the reliability of non-invasive jaundice monitoring in clinical practice.
Abstract:
64 jaundiced neonates were measured with transcutaneous bilirubinometer for the jaundice index on the forehead and superciliary narch where was covered during photo therapy respectively. The result showed that the jaundice index in the uncovered place decreased greatly after the therapy was over, but the index went up again 12 hours later. The index on the covered place did not show this change. It is suggested that the covered place is a better site for measuring jaundice index because it can avoid the effect of phototherapy on the measuring result and make the result more accurate.
