A Comparison between Transcutaneous Bilirubin (TcB) and Total Serum Bilirubin (TSB) Measurements in Term Neonates

Background: Transcutaneous bilirubinometry (TCB) is a simple method for estimating bilirubin levels in neonates. This method is noninvasive, quick, and painless. We aimed to compare serum and cutaneous bilirubin measurements in term neonates.Method: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 200 neonates with icter with birth weights of at least 2500 grams were studied. TCB was measured using a bilirubinometer three times on the forehead and mean levels were calculated. Then, during the subsequent 30 minutes blood samples were obtained and sent to the laboratory for determining the total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels. Findings: Of the 200 neonates, 124 (62%) were boys and 76 (38%) were girls, with an age range of 1-22 days. The mean±SD serum and cutaneous bilirubin levels were 18.75±5.38 and 17.85±4.46 mg/dl, respectively. A high correlation (r=0.89) was observed between TSB and TCB. The sensitivity and specificity of cutaneous bilirubin measurement were 95.1% and 68%, respectively.Conclusions: Because of its high sensitivity, TCB can be a suitable tool for predicting neonatal icter. However, it is not a suitable substitute for TSB measurement in neonates at a high risk of jaundice

Correlation between Heart and Liver Iron Levels Measured by MRI T2* and Serum Ferritin in Patients with β-thalassemia Major

Background Transfusion-induced iron overload leads to many complications in patients with β-thalassemia major. This study aimed to compare the level of iron stored in the liver and heart measured by MRI T2 * with ferritin levels in these patients. Materials and Methods This study was done on 52 patients with β-thalassemia major aged 7 to 29 years. Serum ferritin level was checked and heart and liver MRI T2* operation was performed, then the liver and heart iron level measured by MRI T2 * was compared with serum ferritin levels. Results 150-180 cc/kg packed cells were received on average. The mean ± SD serum ferritin level was 2644.8±1988.3 ng/mL. The mean ± SD relaxation times in liver and heart MRI T2* were 4.39±5.8 and 26.59±10.62 millisecond, respectively. A negative significant correlation was found between serum ferritin levels and liver MRI T2* (P0.05). Conclusion Since there was no correlation between serum ferritin levels and cardiac iron levels, accurate assessment of cardiac iron load using MRI T2* is necessary in patients with β-thalassemia major. Serum ferritin level is reliable for assessing liver iron levels