ASSESSMENT OF PHOTOTHERAPY INDUCED HYPOCALCEMIA

Abstract

Jaundice is one of the most common and annoymg problems that can occur in the newborn. Although most jaundiced infants recover without any serous problem, there is always a risk of bilirubin encephalopathy during the period of hyperbilirubinemia.

Phototherapy is now considered to be the standard form of management for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Phototherapy though gradual in reduction of serum bilirubin level, is highly effective and rebound hyperbilirubinemia after phototherapy is relatively rare. Yet neonates treated with phototherapy may suffer from side effects e.g. skin rash, loose stools, hyperthermia, fluid loses, skin burns. A less known but potential complication of phototherapy is hypocalcemia.

The present study was conducted for assessment of hypocalcemia in neonates treated with phototherapy. It was

conducted on 40 infants (20 full term and 20 preterm) presenting with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia for phototherapy.