The Effect Of Phototherapy On Serum Ionized Calcium Levels In Neonates With Unconjugated Hyperbilirubinemia

RASHI ARYAN; NIVEDITA PATIL

Volume : V, Issue : III, March - 2015

The Effect Of Phototherapy On Serum Ionized Calcium Levels In Neonates With Unconjugated Hyperbilirubinemia

Rashi Aryan, Nivedita Patil

Abstract :

Aim:To study the occurrence of hypocalcemia in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia after 48 hours of continuous phototherapy and to compare the results between term and preterm neonates. Methods: This study was performed on 200 neonates with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia (155 term and 45 preterm) who were given phototherapy in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Serum ionized calcium levels were checked before and after 48 hours of phototherapy. The prevalence of hypocalcemia after 48 hours of phototherapy was observed and compared between full term and preterm neonates. Neonates who had conjugated hyperbilirubinema, asphyxia, respiratory distress, hemolytic anemia, sepsis were excluded from the study.Results: 85/200 neonates (42%) developed hypocalcemia. 61/155full term neonates (39%) and24/45 preterm neonates(53%) developed hypocalcemia after 48 hours of phototherapy. Conclusion:Significant decline in serum ionized calcium level is observed in neonates receiving phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia.