Transcutaneous bilirubin nomograms in African neonates.

The use of transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) as a screening tool, based on relevant population-specific nomogram, or proxy for total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels in assessing the risk of subsequent hyperbilirubinemia is supported by several clinical guidelines on the management of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. However, while TcB has been found to significantly over-estimate TSB in neonates of African-American ancestry, with variations across TcB devices, no nomogram has been specifically reported for this racial group. This study therefore set out to develop TcB nomograms for healthy late pre-term and term black African neonates derived from two widely used bilirubinometers.A retrospective analysis of 12,377 TcB measurements obtained from 6,373 neonates in the first postnatal week, over a period of 48 months using Bilichek and JM-103 bilirubinometers. TcB percentiles were computed from hour-specific TcB values and nomograms developed for each of the screening devices. Predictive ability of the 75th and 95th percentiles to detect significant hyperbilirubinemia was evaluated between 24-96 hours of age. The 95th percentile curve was compared with those from other populations.The velocity of TcB rise at 75th and 95th percentiles was generally higher with JM-103 than Bilichek. Both percentiles also peaked at higher TcB levels with JM-103. The 95th percentile for both instruments showed a downward trend as from approximately 114 hours. Both instruments had high negative predictive values across the selected time-epochs and lower discriminatory ability than reported in non-black populations.The predictive utility of TcB as a potential screening tool varies across devices in black African neonates with or without risk of significant hyperbilirubinemia, and lower than levels reported in non-black populations. Equipment-specific nomograms should be considered for TcB monitoring in this racial population where TSB is not routinely available

Hour-specific nomogram for transcutaneous measurements with JM-103 bilirubinometer in African neonates.

<p>Hour-specific nomogram for transcutaneous measurements with JM-103 bilirubinometer in African neonates.</p

Hour-specific nomogram for transcutaneous measurements with Bilichek bilirubinometer in African neonates.

<p>Hour-specific nomogram for transcutaneous measurements with Bilichek bilirubinometer in African neonates.</p

Factors associated with mortality among infants admitted for significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

<p>Factors associated with mortality among infants admitted for significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.</p

Factors associated with severe hyperbilirubinemia leading to exchange transfusion.

<p>Factors associated with severe hyperbilirubinemia leading to exchange transfusion.</p

Factors associated with acute bilirubin encephalopathy.

<p>Factors associated with acute bilirubin encephalopathy.</p

Ability of TcB measurements above the 75^th and 95^th percentiles of TcB nomogram to predict significant hyperbilirubinemia for designated time periods.

<p>Ability of TcB measurements above the 75^th and 95^th percentiles of TcB nomogram to predict significant hyperbilirubinemia for designated time periods.</p

Comparison of 95^th percentile values across selected populations.

<p>Comparison of 95^th percentile values across selected populations.</p