A Retrospective Assessment of Phototherapy Induced Hypocalcaemia in Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

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Abstract (English)

Abstract
Aim: The aim of the present study wads to assess the prevalence of hypocalcaemia in neonates with unconjugated
hyperbilirubinemia receiving phototherapy and to observe association of hypocalcaemia with duration of
phototherapy.
Material & Methods: A retrospective study conducted over a period of 18 months among 200 neonates (both
term and preterm) in the Department of Paediatrics, JLNMCH, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India.
Results: The mean age of preterm and term neonates was 118.12±42.78 and 122.28±41.19. There were more
males as compared to females in preterm and term neonates. Mean birth weight of preterm and term in this study
were 2723.17±246.44 grams and 3132.78±370.90 grams respectively. 10 term neonates experienced
hypocalcaemia at 12 hours after starting of phototherapy. Similarly, 20 term neonates had hypocalcaemia 48 hours
after starting of phototherapy. None of the preterm neonates enrolled in the study experienced hypocalcaemia
after starting of phototherapy. It was observed that occurrence of hypocalcaemia was not significantly associated
with the duration of phototherapy. On comparing the 0 hours calcium level with subsequent hours, the mean
difference in total serum calcium levels in both term, and preterm babies were found to be statistically significant
and the difference was seen to be more significant in term babies. Correlation analysis of a duration of
phototherapy with hypocalcaemia showed a negative but insignificant correlation with a coefficient (r of −0.045
and a p=0.95).
Conclusion: A reduction in the serum calcium with increased duration of phototherapy, however, it does not fall
to the level where treatment is required. Hence it is not recommended to monitor serum calcium levels in neonates
receiving phototherapy.