Benefits of Measuring the Transcutaneous Bilirubin in Neonates: Its Role in Preserving the Quality of Examination, Manipulation and Cost Effectiveness

Introduction: Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the most common diagnoses neonatal period affecting about 60% babies born around term 1,8 . The clinical evaluation jaundice only through inspection insufficient. accurate way assessing it measuring value venous bilirubin (VB), which an invasive method. A simpler to measure transcutaneous (TB), a spectrometric method that evaluates based on skin color 1,2 Objectives: This study aims test effectiveness TB measurements in newborns, impact frequency manipulations and cost-effectiveness this procedure neonatology discipline our country. Materials methods: retrospective was conducted with sample population total 1044 individuals, at American Hospital 3, Tirana. With regard patients data collected from March-August 2017, 505 neonates were part study, 22 excluded when decision take VB or them left doctor’s judgment. respect 2018, there 539 8 not depended values. exclusions criteria were: weight < 2000 gr, gestational age 34 weeks, other pathologies required NICU care, blood taken after 14th day life, incomplete. quantitative qualitative two years respective evaluated analyzed according relevant protocols for scientific using SSPI 2019. Results: It turned out subjects - neonates, whom, belonged 2017 March – August 483 included 249 males 234 females, 18 less than 2500 77 3000 283 between 3000-4000 105 over 4000 gr. In terms age, 37 weeks 465 weeks. As regards 2018 period, 531 272 259 16 95 381 among 39 gr; 28 513 observed also during have been decreased 39.8% 24.2%, consequently, corresponds integrally reduced costs. Conclusions: At end found use significantly reduces number infants. Keywords: Bilirubin, jaundice, neonate, DOI: 10.7176/ALST/92-03 Publication date: February th 2022