Comparison of diagnostic accuracy of transcutaneous bilirubinometry during phototherapy by using skin patch

Background: Neonatal jaundice is a very common condition. Serious unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia may result in neurological dysfunction as catastrophic as kernicterus. Phototherapy is the method of choice in treatment of hyperbilirubinemia. Aim and objectives:  the aim of the study was to assess the accuracy of transcutaneous bilirubin measurement during phototherapy by using skin patch and comparing this with skin and serum bilirubin measurement at the same time.   Subjects and methods: This was an observational prospective study was conducted in special care baby unit at Al-wahda teaching hospital –Derna-Libya over a period of nine months (June 1st 2021 to March 2022).Eighty (80) newborn (41 Male, 39 Female) were enrolled in the study .Transcutaneous bilirubin measurement from skin over sternum, skin under patch at Rt. Side of chest, simultaneously serum bilirubin sample were collected.  Results: during phototherapy; the mean± SD TSB (14.94 ± 4.57 μmol/L) and mean± SD TCBC (13.52 ± 4.84) and at skin level was 9.45 ± 3.62. Bland–Altman plot showed significant agreement between TcB from patched site and TSB Conclusion: TCB measurements correlate strongly with TSB levels during and after PT.&nbsp