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Early recognition of neonatal jaundice – IDjaundice@home

Anually, hundreds of newborns suffer form severe jaundice and require hospitalisation. Based on the skin colour, the decision can be made to perform a blood test and measure the yellow pigment bilirubin. However, the visual assessment of the severity of jaundice is not reliable. As such, there is a risk of mistakenly deciding not to perform the necessary blood tests. This can lead to brain damage and disabilities.   

Aims 

The smartphone app Picterus has been developed to estimate bilirubin levels based on the skin colour of newborns. This project investigates whether the use of the Picterus app by healthcare providers and parents can lead to earlier detection and treatment of severe jaundice in babies. 

Expected results 

This could result in shorter hospital stays, which is beneficial for both parents and their newborn. 

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  • International
  • Apps
  • eHealth
  • Maternity care

    • Features

    • Project number:
      10750012310004
    • Duration: 89%
      2023
      2026
    • Part of programme:
    • Related funding round:
      Healthcare of the Future
    • Project lead and secretary:
      dr. C.V. Hulzebos MD PhD
    • Responsible organisation:
      Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen

    ZonMw-program: Transforming Health and Care Systems (THCS)

    How can we make sure care remains affordable and accessible? This is a challenge that many countries in Europe face. The Transforming Health and Care Systems (THCS) programme funds international studies and innovation projects designed to contribute to a more sustainable, future-ready, people-centred health and care system. This is one of the projects that has been awarded funding. View the other projects here.