Bilirrubinômetro transcutâneo para diagnóstico de icterícia em recém nascidos

Abstract

During the first days of life, newborns can be affected by various diseases, with jaundice being one of the most common. Jaundice is characterized by the yellowish discoloration of the skin due to excess bilirubin, substance resulting from the breakdown of hemoglobin and synthesized by the liver. Elevated bilirubin levels are common in newborns, which, if not treated promptly, can lead to serious complications and even death.This study proposes an investigation of different methods for jaundice diagnosis, with a focus on the transcutaneous bilirubinometer, aiming to develop a prototype of the device. Initially, jaundice diagnosis was performed using Gosset’s method, which involved comparing the newborn’s skin color with a plate containing various shades of yellow. However, with technological advancements, complete blood counts became adopted. More recently, transcutaneous bilirubinometers have emerged as devices capable of measuring bilirubin concentration by emitting light onto the skin. These devices offer considerable advantages, such as non-invasiveness, providing a safe and comfortable procedure for newborns. Additionally, they allow quick and accurate measurements, facilitating continuous monitoring of bilirubin levels and contributing to more effective treatment monitoring.To achieve this goal, a prototype was developed using spectrophotometry concepts for bilirubin measurement. Computational logic and a Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller were employed to determine the concentration range of bilirubin in the organism and associate it with the most suitable treatment. During the testing phase, the relationship between yellow color tones and bilirubin concentration, along with the respective indicated treatments, was used. Acceptable values for a healthy individual range from 0 − 4𝑚𝑔/𝑑𝐿, while concentrations of 5 − 14𝑚𝑔/𝑑𝐿 and 15 − 19𝑚𝑔/𝑑𝐿 indicate phototherapy treatment. Concentrations above 20𝑚𝑔/𝑑𝐿 require more severe treatment, such as blood transfusion.