Accuracy of transcutaneous bilirubin measurement in full-term newborns at 3400 meters above sea level / Precisión de la bilirrubinometría transcutánea en recién nacidos a término a 3400 metros sobre el nivel del mar

Abstract Background: Neonatal jaundice is a frequent benign condition in newborns. However, a rapid diagnosis must be established for its most appropriate treatment. The objective of this study was to measure the correlation between total serum bilirubin (TSB) and transcutaneous bilirubin (in forehead and sternum) in full-term newborns at 3400 m above sea level. Methods: We conducted a prospective and cross-sectional study in full-term newborns with clinical jaundice from the Hospital Regional in Cusco-Peru. General characteristics and measurement of TSB, transcutaneous forehead bilirubin (TcBF), and transcutaneous bilirubin in the sternum (TcBS) were explored. Correlation, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed using the SPSS statistical package, version 22.0. Results: A total of 123 newborns were evaluated. The mean bilirubin values were 13.7 ± 3.5 for TcBF, 14.1 ± 3.1 for TcBS, and 13.8 ± 3.9 for TSB. In addition, Pearson correlation coefficients between TSB/TcBF and TSB/TcBS were 0.90 and 0.91, respectively (p < 0.001). For the percentile 95 cut-off point, a sensitivity of 93% and 100% and a specificity of 89% and 80% were obtained for TcBF and TcBS, respectively, with an area under the curve of 0.813 for TcBF and 0.815 for TcBS (p < 0.001) Conclusions: Measurement of transcutaneous bilirubin is a fast and painless method that can be considered a reliable tool for screening and monitoring neonatal jaundice, but not for a definitive diagnosis to decide the use of phototherapy in full-term newborns at 3400 m above sea level.

Resumen Introducción: La ictericia neonatal es una condición benigna y frecuente en los recién nacidos, en quienes es preciso hacer un diagnóstico rápido para el tratamiento más adecuado. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la correlación entre la bilirrubina sérica total (BST) y la bilirrubina transcutánea (frente y esternón) en recién nacidos a término a 3400 metros sobre el nivel del mar. Método: Estudio prospectivo y transversal en recién nacidos con ictericia clínica en el Hospital Regional de la Ciudad de Cusco, Perú. Se exploraron las características generales y se midieron la BST, la bilirrubina transcutánea en la frente (BTcF) y la bilirrubina transcutánea en el esternón (BTcE). Se calcularon la correlación, la sensibilidad y la especificidad, y se elaboraron las curvas de características operativas del receptor (ROC) con el paquete estadístico SPSS 22.0. Resultados: Se evaluaron 123 recién nacidos. El promedio de la BST fue de 13.8 ± 3.9, el de la BTcF fue de 13.7 ± 3.5 y el de la BTcE fue de 14.1 ± 3.1. La correlación entre BST/BTcF y BST/BTcE fue de 0.90 y 0.91, respectivamente (p < 0.001). Para el punto de corte del percentil 95 según el nomograma Bhutani se obtuvo una sensibilidad del 93% y el 100%, y una especificidad del 89% y el 80%, para la BTcF y la BTcE, respectivamente, con un área bajo la curva ROC de 0.813 para la BTcF y de 0.815 para la BTcE (p < 0.001). Conclusiones: La medición de la bilirrubina transcutánea es un método rápido e indoloro, y podría ser considerado confiable para el despistaje y el seguimiento de la ictericia neonatal, mas no para un diagnóstico definitivo con el fin de decidir el uso de fototerapia en recién nacidos a término a 3400 metros sobre el nivel del mar.

Remote monitoring of neonatal jaundice in newborns with ABO hemolytic disease / 浙江大学学报·医学版

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the feasibility of remote monitoring of neonatal jaundice in newborns with ABO hemolytic disease.@*METHODS@#Forty six neonates of gestational age >35 weeks with ABO hemolytic disease admitted to Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 20th, 2020 to February 29th, 2020 were enrolled in the study (study group). The newborns were followed up at home after discharge, the transcutaneous bilirubin (TCB) levels were measured by parents using the provided device and the results were sent to the doctor by smart phone using the installed APP. Fifty six newborns with ABO hemolytic disease admitted in 2018 who received conventional outpatient follow-up after discharge served as the control group. The demographic characteristics, total serum bilirubin (TSB) level during hospitalization, number of outpatient visit and rate of re-admission due to rebound hyperbilirubinemia were compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#There were no significant differences between the two groups in gestational age, birth weight, delivery mode, gender, length of the first hospitalization, TSB level before phototherapy and before discharge, and the managements during the first hospitalization (all @*CONCLUSIONS@#The remote follow-up for neonatal jaundice at home can effectively reduce the number of outpatient visits without increasing the risk of readmission and severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia for newborns with ABO hemolytic disease.

Influence of assessment site in measuring transcutaneous bilirubin / Influência do local de avaliação na mensuração da bilirrubina transcutânea / Influência do local de avaliação na mensuração da bilirrubina transcutânea

Objective : To investigate the influence of the site of measurement of transcutaneous bilirubin (forehead or sternum) in reproducibility of results as compared to plasma bilirubin. Methods : A cohort study including 58 term newborns with no hemolytic disease. Transcutaneous measurements were performed on the forehead (halfway between the headline and the glabella, from the left toward the right side, making consecutive determinations, one-centimeter apart) and the sternum (five measurements, from the suprasternal notch to the xiphoid process with consecutive determinations, one-centimeter apart) using Bilicheck® (SpectRx Inc, Norcross, Georgia, USA). The correlation and agreement between both methods and plasma bilirubin were calculated. Results : There was a strong linear correlation between both determinations of serum bilirubin at the forehead and sternum (r=0.704; p<0.01 and r=0.653; p<0.01, respectively). There was correspondence of the mean values of transcutaneous bilirubin measured on the sternum (9.9±2.2mg/dL) compared to plasma levels (10.2±1.7mg/dL), but both differ from the values measured on the forehead (8.6±2.0mg/dL), p<0.05. Conclusion : In newborn term infants with no hemolytic disease, measuring of transcutaneous bilirubin on the sternum had higher accuracy as compared to serum bilirubin measurement on the forehead. .

Objetivo : Verificar a influência do local da mensuração da bilirrubina transcutânea (fronte ou esterno) na reprodutibilidade dos resultados, quando comparada à bilirrubina plasmática. Métodos : Estudo tipo coorte incluindo 58 recém-nascidos a termo sem doença hemolítica. Foram realizadas determinações transcutâneas na fronte (a meia distância entre a raiz do couro cabeludo e a glabela, iniciando do lado esquerdo em direção ao direito, realizando determinações consecutivas, separadas por 1cm) e no esterno (cinco mensurações iniciando da fúrcula até o apêndice xifoide, com determinações consecutivas, separadas por 1cm), utilizando o equipamento Bilicheck® (SpectRx Inc, Norcross, Geórgia, Estados Unidos). Foram calculadas as correlações e a concordância entre ambos os métodos, e a bilirrubina plasmática. Resultados : Foi encontrada forte correlação linear tanto entre a determinação na fronte quanto no esterno, com nível sérico de bilirrubina (r=0,704; p<0,01 e r=0,653; p<0,01, respectivamente). Houve correspondência dos valores médios de bilirrubina transcutânea aferidos no esterno (9,9±2,2mg/dL) com os valores plasmáticos (10,2±1,7mg/dL), porém ambos diferiram dos valores medidos na fronte (8,6±2,0mg/dL), com p<0,05. Conclusão : Em recém-nascidos a termo sem doença hemolítica, a mensuração da bilirrubina transcutânea realizada no esterno apresenta maior acurácia em relação à mensuração na fronte, quando comparada à bilirrubina sérica. .

Effect of induction of meconium evacuation using per rectal laxatives on neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in term infants: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Objective: To study the efficacy of early meconium evacuation using per rectal laxatives on the level of serum bilirubin and the need for phototherapy in healthy term infants. Materials and Methods: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials comparing per rectal laxatives versus no intervention was conducted using English language articles identified from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, Ovid, and CINAHL databases and bibliographies of selected articles. Eligible studies were assessed for the risk of bias in conduct and reporting. Results: A total of three trials (n = 469) mostly with "unclear risk" were eligible for inclusion. Two trials used glycerin suppository whereas one used glycerin enema for meconium evacuation. Meta-analysis was not possible due to clinical heterogeneity in the choice of laxatives and frequency of intervention. In all the three studies, serum bilirubin levels at 48 h and the need for phototherapy was not significantly different between the two groups. Passage of first meconium and the transitional stools occurred significantly early in the intervention group compared to controls. Conclusion: Early evacuation of meconium using per rectal laxatives does not offer any significant clinical advantage for neonatal jaundice.

Estimación visual de la ictericia neonatal y detección del riesgo de hiperbilirrubinemia significativa / Visual estimate of clinical jaundice and detection of the risk of significant hyperbilirubinemia

La predicción del riesgo de hiperbilirrubinemia significativa a través de la medición de una bilirrubina previa al alta ha sido validada en neonatos. La estimación visual de la extensión de la ictericia es comúnmente usada para la decisión de la obtención de la prueba de bilirrubina. Determinar la confiabilidad de la evaluación visual de la ictericia en la detección del riesgo de hiperbilirrubinemia significativa. 123 neonatos fueron examinados antes del alta por un pediatra quien asignó la extensión de la ictericia según su progresión céfalo-caudal. Una medida simultánea de bilirrubina transcutánea fue hecha por otro observador. Luego se comparó la calificación del riesgo de hiperbilirrubinemia significativa por ambos métodos, a través de un nomograma clasificado por zonas de riesgo. Resultados: El porcentaje de coincidencia global en relación a la designación de riesgo por ambos métodos fue 73%, pero esta proporción decreció a 56,3% cuando se analizó sólo para las zonas de alto riesgo. De hecho, 18 (43,7%) de los 32 neonatos calificados de alto riesgo por la prueba transcutánea fueron erróneamente identificados por la evaluación visual como niños de bajo riesgo. A pesar de que la concordancia general entre la estimación visual de la ictericia y la bilirrubina real es aceptable, la confiabilidad de la valoración visual como el procedimiento primario para identificar el riesgo de una hiperbilirrubinemia significativa es limitada. La detección de la severidad de la ictericia debe basarse en otros métodos, como la medición de la bilirrubina sérica o transcutánea

Pre-discharge bilirrubin percentiles have proved to be useful in predicting which infants will develop significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. The extent of clinical jaundice is commonly used to decide when to take a sample test for serum bilirubin. To determine the reliability of visual assessment of jaundice in the identification of the risk of significant hyperbilirubinemia. Clinical estimate of cephalocaudal progression of jaundice was carried out by a pediatrician in 123 neonates. Transcutaneous bilirubin (TCB) was simultaneously measured by an independent observer. Measurements by both methods were plotted into a nomogram stratified by risk zones to determine their level of agreement as to the classification of the risk. General agreement between the two measurements was 73%. However, this proportion decreased to 56.3% when only high-risk zones were analyzed. In fact, 18 (43.7%) of the 32 infants with transcutaneous bilirubin levels in high-risk zones were missclasified as low-risk cases by visual estimate. Although there was good general agreement between clinical evaluation of jaundice and TCB, visual assessment was not fully reliable as a primary screening method to identify significant hyperbilirubinemia. Further means should be used to support decisions regarding this risk, such as serum bilirubin sampling or transcutaneous bilirubin

Icterícia como causa de internação neonatal: a experiência em um serviço terciário de Porto Alegre, RS / Jaundice in healthy term newborns treated at a tertiary center in Porto Alegre, RS

Introdução: Cerca de 60-80% dos recém-nascidos (RN) tornam-se ictéricos durante os primeiros dias de vida. Apesar de geralmente representar um fenômeno transitório, alguns pacientes necessitam de tratamento hospitalar. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a causa principal de icterícia neonatal em recém-nascidos saudáveis internados no Hospital Luterano e possíveis associações com diversas variáveis clínicas. Metodologia: Estudo retrospectivo em que foram estudados todos os casos de RN com icterícia neonatal internados para tratamento de hiperbilirrubinemia na UTI Neonatal do Hospital Luterano da ULBRA, no período de abril de 2007 a dezembro de 2008. Os resultados foram expressos em estatística descritiva e foi utilizado o teste exato de Fischer e o teste Qui-quadrado. O limite alfa considerado foi de 5%, com nível de significância de 0,05. Resultados: Dentre os RNs estudados (74), 52,7% eram do sexo masculino e 45,9% eram do sexo feminino. 14,8% dos pacientes nasceram de parto vaginal, enquanto que 85,1% nasceram de cesárea. A maioria dos recém-nascidos estudados (74,3%) foi considerada a termo. O diagnóstico mais frequente (37,8%) de icterícia dos pacientes internados para tratamento no serviço foi o de baixo aporte. Os pacientes do sexo masculino necessitaram de maior tempo de fototerapia do que as pacientes do sexo feminino (p=0,056). Conclusão: O diagnóstico de baixo aporte recebido pelos pacientes foi a causa mais frequente de icterícia. Os meninos necessitaram de um tempo significativamente maior de fototerapia para o tratamento da icterícia do que as meninas; também houve associação positiva da hiperbilirrubinemia com a baixa idade.

Introduction: About 60-80% of the newborns (NB) experience jaundice in the first days of life. Although jaundice is often a transitory phenomenon, some infants require hospital care. The aim of this study was to determine the main cause of neonatal jaundice among healthy newborns admitted to the Hospital Luterano and the possible associations with a number of clinical variables. Methods: A retrospective study in which all cases of NB with neonatal jaundice admitted for treatment of hyperbilirubinemia at the Neonatal ICU of the Hospital Luterano of ULBRA were studied, from Apr 2007 to Dec 2008. The results were expressed as descriptive statistics, and Fisher’s exact test and the Chi-square test were applied. The alpha limit considered was 5%, with level of significance at 0.05. Results: Among the 74 NB studied, 52.7% were males and 45.9% were females. 14.8% of the infants had a vaginal birth, while 85.1% had a cesarean delivery. Most of the studied infants (74.3%) were born full term. The most frequent cause for (37.8%) jaundice among these patients was inadequate intake. The male patients needed to stay longer on phototherapy than female patients (p=0.056). Conclusion: Low intake by the patient was the most frequent cause of jaundice in this series. The boys needed significantly more time on phototherapy than females, and there was a positive association of hyperbilirubinemia with low age.

Enfermedad hemolítica perinatal por dos aloanticuerpos: presentación de un caso / Alloantibody linked perinatal hemolytic disease: case report

La etiopatogenia de la enfermedad hemolítica del recién nacido está basada en la incompatibilidad de grupo sanguíneo entre la madre y el recién nacido. Los neonatos con enfermedad hemolítica por incompatibilidad ABO usualmente tienen madres de grupo O porque la IgG anti-A y anti-B puede atravesar la placenta y sensibilizar los eritrocitos neonatales. Otros anticuerpos además de los ABO han sido reportados como causa de enfermedad hemolítica del recién nacido, ejemplo: anti-D, anti-C, anti-K, anti-Jk, anti-Fy, anti-S, etc. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 33 años de edad, que en el segundo trimestre de su segunda gestación presentó una hemorragia que motivó la transfusión de una unidad de concentrado de eritrocitos. No se reportó reacción transfusional. El producto de dicha gestación fue un neonato masculino de 2,5 Kg de peso y apgar 6-8 que presentó íctero a las 24 horas después del parto. El fenotipaje ABO de los eritrocitos maternos y del neonato arrojó que la madre era de grupo O y el neonato de grupo B. La prueba de Coombs directa fue positiva 2+ en el neonato y la prueba de Coombs indirecta resultó positiva 3+ en la madre. Dos aloanticuerpos fueron detectados en el suero materno como causa del íctero neonatal, un anti-A y un anti-Jk b. Los eritrocitos maternos fueron fenotipados como Jk b negativos. El tratamiento con fototerapia al neonato se inició a las 40 horas de edad y se prolongó hasta los 10 días de nacido. Una transfusión simple de concentrado de eritrocitos fenotipados fue administrada al neonato a los 8 días de edad.

Prevalence of readmission for hyperbilirubinemia in healthy newborns

The aim of this study was estimation of prevalence of jaundice readmission and observes neonatal jaundice risk factors in singleton infant with birth weight more than 2500 gr. This study was done among women who delivered a normal singleton infant with birth weight of >/= 2500 gr in Najmieh Hospital, Tehran, from 2004-2005. Maternal age, race, blood group and Rh, drug consumption during pregnancy, oxytocin consumption during labour, rupture of membranes together with neonatal sex, weight, maturity, gravity and length of nursery stay were recorded. The infants were followed during neonatal period to see if they were readmitted, and the reason of admission. The prevalence of readmission for neonatal jaundice was assessed and the risk factors for neonatal jaundice were compared between the icteric and non-icteric babies. The prevalence of readmission because of jaundice was 12.6%. The maternal data recorded from all mother-baby pairs were not significantly different except for maternal race, Rh group and drug consumption during pregnancy. Arab mothers compared with other race groups had more icteric babies [P=0.001]. Rh-negative mothers had more icteric infants [17.9%] compared with Rh-positive mothers [12%] [P=0.01]. Premature infants were hospitalized significantly more than mature babies [20.3% versus 12.1%, P=0.04]. The length of primary nursery stay differed significantly between two groups [mean [SD] 27 [9.8] hours for icterics versus 30 [2.5] hours for non-icterics, P < 0.001]. The mean age of readmission was fifth postnatal day. We conclude that infants, especially infants of Arab or negative Rh group mothers and premature babies, discharged early from the nursery should be advised to visit a pediatrician within the next 48-72 hours of birth to avoid complications of severe jaundice

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G6PD] deficency in neonates presenting with Jaundice

To determine the frequency of Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G6PD] deficiency in infants presenting with jaundice. This retrospective study was conducted in Fazal Rahim Clinical Laboratory Timergara District Dir North West Frontier Province of Pakistan, from 1st January 2004 to 31st December 2004 on 120 neonates. Data regarding sex and age, serum bilirubin total, serum bilirubin direct and G6PD status was extracted using database software designed by the principal author. The inclusion criterion was neonates with high serum bilirubin and G6PD test performed simultaneously. The exclusion criterion was premature babies and incomplete request forms. Microsoft Excel 2000 was used for data analysis Out of 120 patients, 97 [80.8%] were male and 23 [19.2%] were female ranging in age from 3 - 10 days with mean 6.5 days and median 5 days. Thirty two [26.6%] neonates were found G6PD deficient. Among patients with normal G6PD level male to female ratio was 3.63:1. In G6PD deficient patients male to female ratio was 7:1. The serum bilirubin of the G6PD normal patients was 12.8 + 5.0 mg/dl and that of G6PD deficient patients was 13.5 + 6.8 mg/dl. G6PD deficiency is quite high in neonates presenting with jaundice. The diagnosis is simple and if left undetected may cause serious consequences in situations of oxidant stress

Egreso precoz del recién nacido: [revisión] / Early newborn discharge: [review]

El egreso precoz del recién nacido, definido como el alta de las 48 horas del nacimiento, se ha convertido en una práctica clínica rutinaria, motivada en parte por la presión familiar de convertir el acto de nacer en un acontecimiento natural, y fomentada por la escasez de camas maternas en los institutos públicos de salud. A pesar de su frecuente aplicación, no existen estudios bien diseñados que demuestren la seguridad del egreso precoz cuando se emplea de manera colectiva. Aunque ofrece beneficios biológicos y sociales, el alta temprana puede ser un procedimiento riesgoso, debido a situaciones no detectadas que pueden amenazar el bienestar del neonato en el ambiente del hogar, cuando el niño no está siendo supervisado por personal de salud. Las complicaciones neonatales asociadas al egreso precoz son más frecuentes cuando el alta no se complementa con una visita temprana programada a las 48 horas del alta, y cuando se aplica de manera masiva, sin individualizar las necesidades particulares de cada pareja madre-niño. La condición neonatal más importante relacionada al alta precoz es la hiperbilirrubinemia excesiva, especialmente en el neonato prematuro tardío. La Academia Americana de Pediatría ha establecido un conjunto de criterios mínimos a cumplir para que el neonato se vaya al hogar antes de 48 horas, el seguimiento de los cuales es variable entre los pediatras. Estas normas son dificiles de cumplir en los hospitales públicos venezolanos, debido a la alta densidad de nacimientos y a características demográficas particulares. Es factible que se requiera la formulación de requisitos propios de egreso que se puedan aplicar en grupos bien seleccionados de nuestra población.

Early newborn discharge has progressively become a common clinical practice in many institutions, due to the mothers’ wish to demedicalize the childbirth process and to the scarcity of maternal beds in public hospitals. Although early discharge provides social and biological benefits, its collective application may be associated with risks for the mother and the newborn, since immediate postnatal recovery has shifted from the hospital to the home, where the infant is not being supervised by health professionals. These risks are more relevant when short stays are not complemented with a follow-up visit within 48 hours, and when early discharge is massively applied without consideration for particular needs of mothers and infants. The most common neonatal complication seen after early newborn discharge is extreme hyperbilirubinemia, most notorious in late preterm infants. A list of minimal criteria for early discharge has been published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The compliance with these guidelines is highly variable among pediatricians, and its suitability in our maternity wards is not warranted. Formulation of particular criteria adjusted to the demographic and behavioral characteristics of our perinatal population seems mandatory.

Acompanhamento da icterícia neonatal em recém-nascidos de termo e prematuros tardios / Follow-up of neonatal jaundice in term and late premature newborns

OBJETIVO: Relatar os resultados de um projeto de acompanhamento de recém-nascidos de termo e próximos ao termo ictéricos no período neonatal. MÉTODOS: Foram encaminhados a ambulatório especializado neonatos com peso > 2.000 g e/ou idade gestacional > 35 semanas, cuja icterícia na alta foi avaliada inicialmente com o icterômetro de Ingram, Bilicheck® e, se indicado, com bilirrubinômetro Unistat (Leica). A bilirrubinemia destes recém-nascidos situava-se no ou acima do percentil 40 do nomograma elaborado por Bhutani. Todos recém-nascidos tratados com fototerapia durante internação foram reavaliados laboratorialmente 24 horas após suspensão do tratamento. A indicação de reinternação para tratamento fototerápico intensivo foi para paciente com nível > 20 mg/dL. RESULTADOS: De um total de 11.259 neonatos, 2.452 (21,8 por cento) foram encaminhados para acompanhamento, dos quais 87,2 por cento (2.140) retornaram. Oitenta neonatos retornados foram reinternados. Dos 2.452 encaminhados para retorno, 180 (7,3 por cento) tinham bilirrubinemia > 15 mg/dL na alta. Destes, 151 retornaram para acompanhamento. Vinte (13,2 por cento) foram reinternados para tratamento. Do total de reinternados, dois recém-nascidos apresentaram nível > 25 mg/dL e nenhum > 30 mg/dL. Todos responderam rapidamente à fototerapia intensiva, e não houve necessidade de utilizar exsangüinotransfusões. CONCLUSÕES: Nossos resultados sugerem que o esquema adotado é eficiente na detecção e prevenção de hiperbilirrubinemias de risco para produzir encefalopatia bilirrubínica em recém-nascidos de termo e próximos ao termo.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the results of a project following term and near term newborn infants who were jaundiced during the neonatal period. METHODS: Neonates were referred to the follow-up clinic with weight > 2,000 g and/or gestational age > 35 weeks, and jaundice at discharge was initially assessed with an Ingram icterometer or Bilicheck and, if indicated, with a Unistat bilirubinometer (Leica). These newborn infants had bilirubinemia at or above the 40th percentile on the nomogram developed by Bhutani. All infants treated with phototherapy while in hospital were reassessed by laboratory methods 24 hours after withdrawal of treatment. Patients were rehospitalized for intensive phototherapy if their level was greater than or equal to 20 mg/dL. RESULTS: From a total sample of 11,259 neonates, 2,452 (21.8 percent) were referred to the follow-up clinic, 87.2 percent (2,140) of whom did return. Eighty returned neonates were readmitted. Return appointments were set for 2,452 patients, 180 (7.3 percent) of whom had bilirubinemia > 15 mg/dL at discharge. Of these 180, 151 returned for follow-up. Twenty (13.2 percent) were readmitted for treatment. Of the total number of readmitted patients, two newborn infants had levels > 25 mg/dL and none > 30 mg/dL. All responded rapidly to intensive phototherapy, and there was no need for exchange transfusions. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the regime adopted is effective for detecting and preventing hyperbilirubinemia at risk of causing bilirubin-induced encephalopathy in term and near term newborn infants.

Correlación entre bilirrubina sérica y bilirrubinometría transcutánea en neonatos estratificados por edad gestacional / Correlation between serum bilirubin and transcutaneus bilirubinometry in newborns stratified by gestation age

La ictericia neonatal es un dilema diagnóstico y terapéutico muy común. Las decisiones basadas en mediciones seriadas de bilirrubina sérica se asocian con dolor en el niño, tiempo de espera y ansiedad por los resultados. La bilirrubinometría transcutánea puede ser una alternativa confiable si se demuestra su validez para poblaciones e instituciones particulares. Establecer el grado de correlación entre bilirrubina sérica total (BST) y bilirrubina transcutánea (BTC) en neonatos estratificados por edad gestacional. Estudio de diseño transversal. Cien recién nacidos ictéricos, 50 de término y 50 pretérmino, fueron analizados. A cada niño se le realizó una medición simultánea de BST y BTC. Luego se calcularon los coeficientes de variación de las medias, las diferencias de las medidas, la sensibilidad y el valor predictivo positivo de la BTC, los coeficientes de correlación, la ecuación de la línea de regresión, y la equivalencia de ambas mediciones para predecir el riesgo de hiperbilirrubinemia. El coeficiente de variación de las medias fue similar para ambas mediciones (BST: 3,09 por ciento; BTC: 3,24 por ciento). Las mediciones de BST y BTC fueron diferentes en 95 niños, e iguales en 5 de ellos. En los 95 neonatos con lecturas divergentes, la BTC subestimó la BST en 59 y la sobreestimó en 36, con una diferencia promedio de 1,39 mg/dl (DE 0,58 mg/dl). La sensibilidad de la BTC para identificar una BST >12 mg/dl fue 87 por ciento, con un valor predictivo positivo de 94 por ciento. El coeficiente de correlación de toda la muestra fue 0,88; en los neonatos de término fue 0,92 y en los pretérmino fue 0,84. El 82 por ciento de los neonatos fueron correctamente clasificados por la BTC en los percentiles de riesgo para hiperbilirrubinemia significativa. La precisión de las medidas de BST y BTC es similar en nuestra institución. Aunque hay una correlación aceptable entre ambos métodos de valoración, independientemente de la edad gestacional, la técnica de la BTC...

Newborn jaundice with its potential for producing brain damage remains a continuing problem for pediatricians. Therapeutic decisions based on serial measurements of serum bilirubin (TSB) are time-consuming and associated with stress for the child, parents and practitioners. Transcutaneous bilirubinometry (TCB) may be an alternative method if its reliability is proven for a particular institution and population. To establish the degree of correlation between TSB and TCB in newborn infants classified by gestational age. Cross-sectional study. 100 jaundiced infants, stratified into two groups of 50 preterm and 50 full-term newborns, were analyzed by simultaneous samples of TSB and TCB. Statistical analysis included estimates of differences between the two measurements, coefficients of variation of means, correlation coefficients, sensitivity and positive predictive value of TCB, and accuracy of TCB to predict significant hyperbilirubinemia. The coefficient of variation of means was similar for both methods (TSB: 3.09 percent; TCB: 3.24 percent). Measurements of TSB and TCB were different in 95 infants and equivalent in 5. TCB underestimated TSB in 59 measurements and overestimated it in 36 of them, with a mean difference of 1.39 mg/dl (SD 0.58 mg/dl). Sensitivity of TCB to identify a TSB >12 mg/dl was 87 percent, with a positive predictive value of 94 percent. The global correlation coefficient was 0.88 (term infants: 0.92; preterm infants: 0.84). 82 percent of the infants were correctly classified by the TCB within the percentiles of risk for significant hyperbilirubinemia. Precision of measurements of TSB and TCB is similar in our institution. Despite a good correlation between the two methods, regardless the gestational age, TCB tends to underestimate TSB when bilirubin values go beyond 12 mg/dl. The TCB technique can accurately predict the risk of extreme hyperbilirubinemia, so it can be cautiously used prior to dischange to reduce this risk and to avoid...

Anomalía de Pelger-Huet: reporte de un caso / Pelger-huet anomaly: a case report

La anomalía de Pelger-Huet se observa una limitación de la segmentación nuclear de los granulocitos. La anomalía fue descrita por primera vez por Pelger en 1928, quien consideró que constituía una manifestación de tuberculosis. Huet consideró que la anomalía sería hereditaria y se transmitiría en forma autonómica dominante. Los individuos afectados rara vez presentan neutrófilos o eosinófilos con más de dos lóbulos. En los heterocigotos, el núcleo de los neutrófilos es no segmentado, con forma de pesa o bilobulado. En los homocigotos, la gran mayoría de los neutrófilos presentan núcleos redondos. Esta anomalía afecta aproximadamente a uno de cada 6000 individuos. La migración celular puede estar levemente alterada, pero la función de los granulocitos es normal y los individuos con esta anomalía hereditaria no padecen efectos adversos. Se trata de Rn masculino quien a las pocas horas de vida presenta ictericia neonatal y dificultad respiratoria y hepatoesplenomegalia. Hallazgos paraclínicos incompatibilidad de grupo sanguíneo, reacción leucemoide 98000 globulos blancos, PCR (-), e hiperbilirrubinemia a predominio de la indirecta. Se indica fototerapia, Oxigeno, y antibioticoterapia a base de PNC, Amikacina y vancomicina, Se realiza serología para TORCHS la cual reporta negativa y valoración por hematología la cual reporta anomalía de Pelger-Huet. Se presenta este caso para dar a conocer la existencia de esta anomalía como causa de errores frecuenctes al momento de valorar la hematología en procesos infecciosos y no infecciosos, que reportan reacciones leucemoides. Es importante que tanto el médico tratante como el paciente, esten en conocimiento de esta anomalía sanguínea, para valorar de forma adecuada el hemograma en posteriores oportunidades.

Late onset jaundice and urinary tract infection in neonates.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and the associated parameters of urinary tract infection (UTI) in infants with late onset jaundice. METHODS: This prospective analytic study was conducted among 400 cases, selected by simple sampling from neonates with late onset jaundice admitted in two referral hospitals of Isfahan during a 9-month period. The information including the age, sex and feeding type, as well as the results of physical examination, treatment, radiology studies, etc were recorded. The etiology of jaundice was assessed by laboratory tests. Urine analysis and urine culture were performed for all subjects. XZ and t-test were used for analysis of the data in- SPSS software. RESULTS: Of the 400 icteric neonates, 147 (36.8%) were female and 253 (63.3%) were male; 23 (5.8%) were diagnosed to have UTI, 5 cases (1.3%) had G6PD deficiency, 19 (4.8%) had dysmorphic red blood cell and 3(0.75%) had ABO or RH incompatibility. The relation between the type of feeding, circumcision and UTI was significant (P< 0.05). Of the 23 neonates with UTI,4 cases (17. 39%) were found to have urogenital abnormality. CONCLUSION: UTI was found in 5.8% of infants with late onset jaundice. The study revealed significant association between breast feeding, circumcision and lower prevalence of UTI in icteric neonates. It is suggested that evaluation for UTI should be considered as a screening test in all cases of neonatal late onset jaundice.

Urinary tract infection in term neonates with prolonged Jaundice

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of urinary tract infection [UTI] in neonates with prolonged jaundice. Newborn infants with jaundice lasted more than 2 weeks were included in this study. Patients who had other signs or symptoms were excluded. Workup of prolonged hyperbilirubinemia was performed, including direct Coomb's test, blood group of the neonate and the mother, complete blood count, blood smear, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G6PD], reticulocyte count, serum level of bilirubin [ unconjugated and conjugated], thyroid function tests [serum thyroxine [T4] and thyroid-stimulating hormone], urinalysis, and suprapubic urine culture. Pediatric nephrologists carried out further investigation including kidney function tests, renal ultrasonography, voiding cystourethrography, and Technetium Tc 99m dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scintigraphy for patients with positive urine culture for microorganisms. Of 100 neonates who were evaluated, 43 were boys and 57 were girls. All of the neonates were breastfed. Six suffered from UTI [4 boys and 2 girls]. Reflux was detected on voiding cystourethrography in 1 and cortical defect in the kidney of renal scan in 2 boys. In our region, with a high rate of breastfeeding, UTI remains as an important cause of prolonged jaundice. Despite the high rate of urogenital system abnormality accompanied by neonatal UTI, there was not a significant difference between the signs and symptoms of jaundice in patients with and without UTI. Performing urine cultures should be considered as a routine procedure in the evaluation of every infant with prolonged jaundice

Avaliação da variabilidade da dosagem transcutânea de bilirrubina pelo Bilicheck em neonatos / Evaluation of variability in transcutaneous dosage of bilirubin by Blilicheck in newborn infants

Objetivo: determinar e comparar os coeficientes de variação da dosagens de biblirrubinemia transcutânea realizadas com Biblicheck, com ou sem a troca da sua cápsula de calibração (Bilical), com os coeficientes de variação das dosagens de bilirrubina pelo bilirrubinômitro Unistat-Leica, tomados como referência. Métodos: estudo descritivo e comparativo dos coeficientes de variação de dosagens de bilirrubina por três métodos (Bilicheck, com ou sem troca do Bilical, e bilirrubinômetro Unistat-Leica), em diferentes faixas de bilirrubinemia. Os dados obtidos foram avaliados por análise de variância para medidas repetidas, teste de comparações múltiplas de Tukey, teste de perfil por contrastes e por análise de varância simples. Resultados: os coeficientes de variação, com ou sem troca do Bilical, foram significativamente maiores do que os obtidos com as dosagens feitas com o bilirrubinômetro. Não houve diferença significativa entre os coeficientes de variação com ou sem troca do Bilical.

Ictericia Neonatal / Ictericia Neonatal

Las enfermedades hematológicas neonatales, especialmente las del tipo hemolítico, son menos frecuentes en la actualidad, pero algunas son tan graves que pueden afectar de manera irreversible al sistema nervioso central; las enfermedades hematológicas propias de la niñez tampoco son usuales en el neonato, pero cuando se presentan deben interpretarse como situaciones que requieren solución rápida, por tanto, la tendencia actual es mejorar las medidas preventivas con terapias efectivas y de aplicación temprana que permitan disminuir las repercusiones de dichas enfermedades a corto y largo plazo. En esta revisión se considerarán, básicamente, los trastornos hemolíticos que afectan al neonato más a menudo y que producen elevaciones de la bilirrubina de diferente magnitud e importancia. Es preciso iniciar el estudio de los problemas hemolíticos revisando el metabolismo fetal y neonatal de la bilirrubina, ya que es precisamente allí donde se encuentra la explicación fisiopatológica de dichos problemas.Palabras clave: bilirrubina, recién nacido, prematuro, ictericia neonatal, quernícterus, fototerapia, guías prácticas, evaluación del riesgo, incompatibilidad Rh

Comparison of two transcutaneous bilirubinometers--Minolta AirShields Jaundice Meter JM103 and Spectrx Bilicheck--in Thai neonates.

Transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) has been reported to have a high correlation with serum bilirubin. The objectives of this study were: (1) to compare the accuracy of two transcutaneous bilirubinometer (Minolto AirShields Jaundice Meter, JM103 (JM) and SpectRx, Bilicheck (BC) in estimating total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels; and (2) to assess the predictive ability of transcutaneous bilirubin in relation to specific selected TSB levels. A total of 154 measurements of TcB, using JM and BC, and TSB were recruited from 134 term and near-term infants. Postnatal ages ranged from 19 to 160 hours (x = 64.7, SD = 25.6). TSB levels ranged from 4.5 to 17.5 mg/dl (x = 10.4, SD = 2.5). The correlation coefficients between TcB (JM and BC) and TSB measurements were significant and similar (r 0.80 and 0.82, respectively). The errors of distribution were, for TSB and TcB-JM, the mean difference of 0.7 mg/dl (SD 1.6 mg/dl and 95% confidence interval of the mean (CI) 0.4 and 1.0]; and, for TSB and TcB-BC, the mean difference of -0.6 mg/dl (SD 1.5 mg/dl and 95% CI -0.4 and -0.8). TcB-JM had a tendency to underestimate TSB levels, and TcB-BC had a tendency to overestimate TSB levels. The sensitivity of BC was higher, but specificity was lower, than JM in corresponding to different TSB levels, except at a TSB level of 15 mg/dl when both instruments yielded 100% sensitivity. The accuracy of JM in predicting TSB was higher than BC at all TSB levels. Operating the JM was simple and uncomplicated. It would be suitable for clinical use when a number of personnel perform the measurement.