Nomogram of Transcutaneous Bilirubin Level after Birth Driven from a Single Center

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to measure bilirubin levels over 6 hours using a transcutaneous bilirubinometer. The change in the bilirubin levels were recorded in a nomogram. The natural progress of jaundice in neonates was monitored using the nomogram and cases were identified that needed further follow-up observation and treatment. METHODS: The subjects of this study were 986 healthy term or near-term infants at the age of 35 weeks or older who were born at Sung-Ae General Hospital during the period from October 1, 2007 to April 30, 2009 and whose parents were both Koreans. Transcutaneous bilirubin measurements were obtained using a transcutaneous bilirubinometer (Minolta, JM-103) from 6 hours of life to discharge at intervals of 6 hours. A nomogram was derived from the obtained data and compared to the delivery method, gestational age, and feeding method. RESULTS: Percentile graphs were drawn according to time. Based on the graphs, phototherapy was necessary in more than 90 percent of the infants between 35 and 37.6 weeks of age and in 95 percent of the infants 38 weeks and older. The mean bilirubin level at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after birth were compared according to the delivery method, gestational age, and feeding method. The bilirubin level in 48 hours was significantly higher in neonates born via cesarean section delivery compared to the neonates born via vaginal delivery, however the levels were not statistically different at the other hours. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show the nomogram derived from hour-specific transcutaneous bilirubin levels. This information can be used to predict the risk for subsequent significant hyperbilirubinemia.