Open AccessNoninvasive transcutaneous bilirubin assessment of neonates with hyperbilirubinemia using a photon diffusion theory-based method
Author(s) -
Niancai Cheng,
Yi-Ling Lin,
Ming-Chung Fang,
Lijun Wen,
Chin Chieh Yang,
Sheng Hao Tseng
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
biomedical optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.362
H-Index - 86
ISSN - 2156-7085
DOI - 10.1364/boe.10.002969
Subject(s) - bilirubin , jaundice , diffusion , serum bilirubin , photon diffusion , medicine , photon , optics , physics , gastroenterology , light source , thermodynamics
Transcutaneous bilirubinometers are widely used to screen neonatal jaundice. However, it was reported that their accuracy is compromised at low and high bilirubin levels. We used a photon diffusion theory-based method valid in the 450-600 nm wavelength region to overcome this obstacle. Our clinical study results showed that our system could properly determine the transcutaneous bilirubin concentrations at total serum bilirubin levels higher than 14 mg/dL, where a commercial bilirubinometer failed to provide proper results in several cases. These findings suggested that photon diffusion theory could be employed to improve the core algorithm of modern bilirubinometers and enhance their applicability.