Effect of Phototherapy on Hypocalcemia

Abstract

Jaundice is the most common and important abnormal physical problem in the first week of life. Due to immaturity of the bilirubin metabolism approximately 60% of term new borns and 80% of preterms (1) develop jaundice in the first week of life which may require phototherapy. The commonly known side effects of phototherapy are loose stools, hyperthermia, dehydration fluid loss, skin burn, photoretinitis, low platelet count, increased red cell osmotic fragility, bronze baby syndrome, riboflavin deficiency and DNA damage. (1,2) A lesser known side effect, but potential complication of phototherapy is hypocalcemia. (3) An observational study was done in department of pediatrics, Kempegowda institute of medical sciences, Bangalore during the period December-2014 and January 2015. All the terms and preterms requiring photo therapy were enrolled in the study. Duration of phototheraphy was ranging from 24 to 48 hours. Serum calcium was measured pre and post phototherapy 80% of babies developed hypocalcemia following phototherapy and also noticed that longer the duration of phototherapy more severe the hypocalcemia.