Study Update
Study Update
The Utility of Transcutaneous Bilirubin Measurement
The Research and the Executive Committees have approved in detail the first study to be conducted by the BORN Network. The PI is Jim Taylor and the principal IRB proposal has been submitted at the University of Washington. For the study, we plan to develop a "robust" TcB nomogram by collecting data from a large number and diverse sample of neonates in multiple hospitals using multiple devices and multiple techniques, with the hope that the nomogram will be applicable in a wide range of clinical settings. By collecting data on TSB levels in infants with measured TcB, we will develop test thresholds on this nomogram for identifying infants at risk of exceeding the 95th percentile on the Bhutani TSB nomogram or current AAP recommended guidelines for treatment and follow-up. We will also assess the diagnostic utility of several other published nomograms. In addition, we will evaluate several variables related to TcB measurement to identify systematic sources of error.
The specific aims of the study are to:
- Describe the distribution of TcB values in term and late preterm newborns measured in diverse settings by developing a TcB nomogram based on the data collected (BORN TcB nomogram)
- Identify test thresholds for TcB percentiles that maximize the specificity of the screening tool while maintaining sensitivity near 100% for identification of infants with significantly elevated TSB
- Identify systematic sources of error in TcB measurements
If you would like to participate in this research study, please register as a member of the BORN network and watch for an invitation to participate via email.
