Hour-specific nomogram for transcutaneous bilirubin in Japanese neonates.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The measurement of transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) is very important to screen for hyperbilirubinemia in newborns. Until now, however, there has been no hour-specific, percentile-based TcB nomogram during the early neonatal period in Japanese neonates. The aim of this study was to develop a TcB nomogram within 72 h of birth in Japanese neonates. METHODS: A total of 3152 TcB measurements for 181 healthy Japanese neonates (gestational age ≥36 weeks, birthweight ≥2300 g) were obtained within 72 h of birth. All measurements were performed with a Konica Minolta jaundice meter, the JM-103. A nomogram curve was plotted to show the trend of TcB level over time. RESULTS: The nomogram curves rose almost linearly for all percentiles until 72 h after birth. CONCLUSION: An hour-specific, percentile-based TcB nomogram during the first 72 h after birth in Japanese neonates was successfully developed. Because Japanese neonates have higher and later peak bilirubin, an original hour-specific 97.5th percentile-based TcB nomogram may be needed to identify early-onset jaundice and manage neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.