Objective: To evaluate reliability of transcutaneous measurement of bilirubin concentration using Air-Shields Minolta JM-103 device in preterm newborns, and to compare the results obtained over forehead, sternum and abdomen. Patients and methods: The study group consisted of 68 newborns born within 32.–37. gestational weeks, who had not been treated for hyperbilirubinemia. Differences (their mean values and CI 95%) between the transcutaneous value of bilirubin concentration over forehead (ΔC), sternum (ΔS) and abdomen (ΔB) and the value of serum bilirubin concentration were prospectively evaluated. Correlation coefficients were calculated. Results: Serum bilirubin concentration ranged from 38.3 to 292.4 μmol/l. The correlation between bilirubin concentration values obtained by means of laboratory and transcutaneous measurements was close (r >0.70). Transcutaneous measurements over sternum (ΔS = 0.9 μmol/l; CI 95% = 9.3 μmol/l) and abdomen (ΔB = 1.1 μmol/l; CI 95% = 9.4 μmol/l) did not show significant differences. Transcutaneous measurements over forehead underestimated serum bilirubin concentrations significantly (ΔC = –21.9 μmol/l; CI 95% = 6.8 μmol/l). Conclusion: Transcutaneous measurements using Minolta JM-103 in preterm newborns are considered to be reliable due to the close correlation. Based on the resultsthe authors recommend noninvasive measurements of bilirubin concentration over sternum and abdomen in preterm newborns of more than 31 weeks of gestation. Transcutaneous bilirubinometry seems to be an appropriate and reliable method to identify newborns with significant hyperbilirubinemia.

        Key words: preterm newborn, bilirubin, hyperbilirubinemia, jaundice, transcutaneous measurement, Minolta JM-103