Serum Calcium Levels in Preterm and Term Neonates on Phototherapy

Abstract

Introduction: In addition to known causes of hypocalcemia like, prematurity, Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), asphyxia, sepsis, infants of diabetic mothers (IDM), high phosphate formula, Magnesium deficiency, effect of phototherapy on serum calcium levels has caught attention of researchers from time to time. The objectives of this study were to evaluate serum calcium levels in relation to duration of phototherapy, single surface Vs double surface phototherapy in term and preterm neonates. Materials and Methods: This study was done in a neonatal ICU of a tertiary care hospital. Hundred preterm and term neonates > 72 hrs of age with weight appropriate for gestational age were selected. Serum calcium levels were measured at the onset and after 24 hrs and 48 hrs of phototherapy and results were analyzed in both the groups. Results: Hypocalcemia was more frequently observed in term group as compared to preterm group. Hypocalcemia occurred more frequently after 48 hrs of continuous phototherapy in both groups. Hypocalcemia was more common under DSPT as compared to SSPT in both groups. Conclusion: Hypocalcemia is a significant problem in neonates subjected to phototherapy.

Effect of duration of phototherapy on serum calcium level in newborn with Neonatal Jaundice

“…We took a cut value of serum calcium of <7mg/dl. which is similar to cut of value taken by Arora et al [9], karamifer el al [10], Taheri et al [11]. Our study variables are comparable to karamifer el al, Taheri et al, Therani et al, Egbalian et al [7] and Kumar et al [12].…”

Comparative Analysis of Symptomatic Hypocalcemia in Term And Preterm Neonates Undergoing Continuous Phototherapy

“…Table no. 3 shows that in the present study jitteriness was observed in 33% of preterm and lethargy was observed in 16.67% of preterm and in the present jitteriness was observed in 11% of term neonates and lethargy was observed in10% of term neonates study after 48 hrs of phototherapy which is comparable to the study done by Arora et al (2014) [14]. This is suggestive that Jssssssitteriness and lethargy is main symptoms in phototherapy induce hypocalcemic newborns.…”

The Effect of Phototherapy on Serum Ionized Calcium Levels in Neonates With Unconjugated Hyper Bilirubinemia

“…An earlier study showed a higher incidence of symptomatic hypocalcemia in preterm neonates mainly jitteriness and irritability 10 . Similarly another study recently reported a higher incidence of jitteriness and irritability in preterm neonates subjected to phototherapy 14 . We too have observed similar results among preterm neonates in our study though none of the neonates developed apnoea or convulsions.…”