Attempt to improve transcutaneous bilirubinometry: a double-blind study of Medick BiliMed versus Respironics BiliCheck
- Department of Paediatrics, Neonatology Division, University Hospital “A Gemelli”, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Dr D De Luca, Divisione di Neonatologia, Departimento di Scienze Pediatriche, Policlinico Universitario “A..Gemelli”, L.go Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Roma, Italia; dm.deluca{at}fastwebnet.it
- Accepted 20 October 2007
- Published Online First 15 November 2007
Abstract
Objectives: To compare the accuracy of a new transcutaneous bilirubinometer, BiliMed (Medick SA, Paris, France) with BiliCheck (Respironics, Marietta, GA, USA), a widely available instrument, and with total serum bilirubin measurement.
Design: A prospective double-blind study comparing the two devices was carried out. 686 healthy newborns needing measurement of their bilirubin were enrolled over a 4-month period. Serum and transcutaneous bilirubin measurements were taken with both devices within 15 minutes. The order of use of the instruments was randomised.
Setting: Well-baby nursery ward in a university hospital, tertiary referral centre.
Results: The linear regression analysis showed a better correlation between BiliCheck and serum bilirubin (r = 0.75) than between BiliMed and serum bilirubin (r = 0.45). BiliCheck variability (±2 SD of the mean bias from serum bilirubin) was within −87.2 to 63.3 μmol/l, while BiliMed variability was within −97.5 to 121.4 μmol/l. The receiver operating characteristic analysis (for serum bilirubin levels >205.2 μmol/l or >239.4 μmol/l) showed significantly higher areas under the curve for BiliCheck than those for BiliMed (p<0.001).
Conclusions: Despite the potential practical advantages of BiliMed, its reduced diagnostic accuracy in comparison with BiliCheck does not justify its use in clinical practice.
Footnotes
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Competing interests: None.
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Ethics approval: Received from the institutional ethics board.
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Patient consent: Informed consent obtained.
