T. Durga1, M. Ravi Kumar2
AIM: To study the occurance 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 100 neonates with unconjugated hyper bilirubinemia, 55 term and 45 preterm, who were given photo phototherapy in neonatal intensive care unit.serum ionized calcium levels were checked and after 48 hours of phototherapy. The prevalence of hypo calcemia after 48 hrs. of phototherapy was observed and compared between full term and preterm neonates. Neonates who had hyperbilirubinemia, asphyxia, respiratory distress, haemolytic anaemia sepsis were excluded from the study.
RESULTS: 46/100 NEONATES, THAT IS 46% developed hypocalcemia. 22/55 full term neonates, that is 40% and 24/45 preterm neonates that is 53% developed hypocalcemia after 48 hrs. of phototherapy.
CONCLUSION: significant decline in serum calcium level is observed in neonates receiving phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia.
