Correlation Between Readings on Icterometer, Jaundicemeter and Serum Bilirubin Concentrations in Newborn Infants

Abstract

Correlation Between Readings on Icterometer, Jaundicemeter and Serum Bilirubin Concentrations in Newborn Infants. Nigerian Journal of Paediatrics 1995; 22: 24. Readings obtained from the icterometer and the jaundicemeter in term newborns with jaundice, were evaluated against corresponding serum bilirubin concentrations. The correlation coefficients (r) were 0.81-0.85 between icterometer readings and serum bilirubin and 0.86 between jaundice-meter readings and Bowserum bilirubin (P<0.0001). Regression equations were derived for both. The Mega aaw icterometer reading of three and that of jaundicemeter of 20, corresponding pod bn to the serum bilirubin concentration between 9.0 and 10.9mg/dl and 9.9mg/ sedenia dl are recommended for screening for neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia. In other wise healthy infants, older than one day, serum bilirubin determination can be avoided if the meter readings are below three and 20, respectively. Above these values, at least, one serum bilirubin determination is recommended. Used in this manner at Primary Health-Care centres, babies developing severe jaundice can be identified early and referred to hospitals for appropriate management. At the tertiary institutions, the number of serum bilirubin concentration determinations can be reduced. thus keeping down the cost of managing jaundiced babies.