Effect of Phototherapy on Serum Calcium Levels in Neonates in A Tertiary Care Hospital

Salman Javaid; Shafaq Sultana; Muhammad Tauseef Omer; Adeel Murtaza; Muhammad Ahsan Ul Haq

doi:10.29054/apmc/2021.1251

Salman Javaid Assistant Professor, Neonatology, The Children’s Hospital, Faisalabad Pakistan
Shafaq Sultana Senior Registrar, Pediatrics, General Hospital, Faisalabad Pakistan
Muhammad Tauseef Omer Senior Registrar, Neonatology, The Children’s Hospital, Faisalabad Pakistan
Adeel Murtaza Senior Registrar, Neonatology, The Children’s Hospital, Faisalabad Pakistan
Muhammad Ahsan Ul Haq Computer Operator, The Children’s Hospital, Faisalabad Pakistan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29054/apmc/2021.1251

Keywords: Hypocalcemia, Phototherapy, Neonatal jaundice

Abstract

Background: Phototherapy is the most common method to treat neonatal jaundice. The effect of phototherapy on serum calcium levels is a questionable issue. Objective: To study the effect of phototherapy on serum calcium levels in neonates with physiological unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Study Design: Longitudinal type of descriptive study. Settings: Neonatology Department of The Children’s Hospital, Faisalabad. Duration: Six months (1^st October 2020 to 30^th March 2021). Methods: This study was conducted on 101 term neonates with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia, requiring phototherapy. The serum calcium levels and total serum bilirubin levels were checked before and after phototherapy. Neonates were monitored for clinical features of hypocalcemia i.e., jitteriness, lethargy and seizures. Results: Hypocalcemia was observed in 41.58% of neonates after phototherapy. The difference between pre and post phototherapy serum calcium levels was found to be statistically significant (p <0.005). Seizures were observed in 4(3.96%) neonates undergoing phototherapy. Conclusion: Hypocalcaemia has a significant association with phototherapy. So, serum calcium levels should be checked in babies undergoing phototherapy.