Phototherapy induced hypocalcemia.

ABSTRACT

Sixty neonates with hyperbilirubinemia were included in the study. There were 20 preterm (Group A) and 20 full term (Group B) neonates. Ten neonates from each group formed the control group. The study group neonates were managed with phototherapy while the control group neonates were not subjected to phototherapy. Serum calcium levels of the two groups were studied. Ninety per cent preterm neonates and seventy-five per cent full term neonates developed hypocalcemia after being subjected to phototherapy. There was a highly significant fall in the total as well as ionized calcium levels in the study group in contrast to the control group. It is recommended that neonates under phototherapy should be given supplemental calcium to prevent hypocalcemia.