Hypocalcemia in Jaundiced Term Neonates Undergoing Phototherapy
Sadaf Saeed Shami, Farhan Saeed, Sarah Aslam, Mohammad Hanif Memon, Shahina Hanif
622
ABSTRACT
Objective: frequency of hypocalcemia in jaundiced term neonates
undergoing phototherapy.
Methodology: A total
of 150 term neonates of either gender who develop jaundice requiring
phototherapy are included in this study presenting within first week of life
whereas those term jaundiced neonates who are at known risk of developing
hypocalcemia, infant of diabetic mother, neonates having history of birth
asphyxix, septic neonates, those requiring exchange transfusion and those with
hemolytic anemias were excluded from study. The patients
were examined thoroughly (complete history and physical examination).Informed
consent was obtained to include the data in study. Jaundiced neonate is applied
phototherapy and after 48 hrs of phototherapy session, 5ml blood sample is
drawn and sent to hospital laboratory for estimation of total serum calcium
level. Hypocalcemia (i.e. Calcium level < 8 mg/dl after 48 hours application
of phototherapy for jaundice neonatorum) was recorded and managed as per
hospital protocol.
Results: Out of
150 cases, 46%(n=69) were in range of 1-3 days while 54%(n=81) were between the
range of 4-7 days of life. The common age was 3.59+1.60 days. There were
53.33%(n=80) male while 46.67%(n=70) were female participants. Hypocalcemia was
recorded in 20.67%(n=31).
Conclusion: We concluded that the frequency of phototherapy
associated hypocalcemia is not very high, however, calcium levels should be
monitored as it is a potential but very less studied complication in our
clinical settings.
Keywords: Term neonates, jaundice, phototherapy, hypocalcemia
ABSTRACT
Objective: frequency of hypocalcemia in jaundiced term neonates
undergoing phototherapy.
Methodology: A total
of 150 term neonates of either gender who develop jaundice requiring
phototherapy are included in this study presenting within first week of life
whereas those term jaundiced neonates who are at known risk of developing
hypocalcemia, infant of diabetic mother, neonates having history of birth
asphyxix, septic neonates, those requiring exchange transfusion and those with
hemolytic anemias were excluded from study. The patients
were examined thoroughly (complete history and physical examination).Informed
consent was obtained to include the data in study. Jaundiced neonate is applied
phototherapy and after 48 hrs of phototherapy session, 5ml blood sample is
drawn and sent to hospital laboratory for estimation of total serum calcium
level. Hypocalcemia (i.e. Calcium level < 8 mg/dl after 48 hours application
of phototherapy for jaundice neonatorum) was recorded and managed as per
hospital protocol.
Results: Out of
150 cases, 46%(n=69) were in range of 1-3 days while 54%(n=81) were between the
range of 4-7 days of life. The common age was 3.59+1.60 days. There were
53.33%(n=80) male while 46.67%(n=70) were female participants. Hypocalcemia was
recorded in 20.67%(n=31).
Conclusion: We concluded that the frequency of phototherapy
associated hypocalcemia is not very high, however, calcium levels should be
monitored as it is a potential but very less studied complication in our
clinical settings.
Keywords: Term neonates, jaundice, phototherapy, hypocalcemia