Transcutaneous bilirubin measurements in preterm infants: the impact of race, age, and phototherapy
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Monitoring bilirubin in preterm neonates is essential to prevent neurotoxicity. Total serum bilirubin (TSB) remains the diagnostic standard, while transcutaneous bilirubinometry (TcB) offers a rapid, non-invasive, and cost-effective alternative. However, TcB's accuracy in preterm infants, especially during phototherapy and across racial or gestational groups, remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To assess concordance between TcB and TSB in preterm neonates across gestational ages, racial/ethnic groups, and phototherapy exposure. METHODS: We analyzed 330 paired TcB-TSB readings from 113 preterm infants (postnatal age 5-408 h, mean ± SD: 91.8 ± 64.2) in a NICU. Infants were categorized by gestational age (
Fields of Study & Subjects
Neonatal Health and Biochemistry
Heme Oxygenase-1 and Carbon Monoxide
Anesthesia and Neurotoxicity Research
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Perinatology
- Publisher
- Springer Science and Business Media LLC
- Volume
- 46
- Issue
- 9
- Pages
- 1720–1725
- Publication date
- 5 January 2026
- Language
- EN