The Effect of Head Covering on Phototherapy-Induced Hypocalcemia in Jaundiced Full-Term Neonates

Abstract

aundice is a common cause of morbidity encountered in the first week of life affected 60% of term newborns and 80% of preterm newborns. Phototherapy is the most commonly used intervention to treat severe jaundice and reduces the risk of exchange transfusion. There are different types of phototherapy. However, this is the main treatment may result in the development of some complications as loose stools, hyperthermia, dehydration, skin burn, retinal damage and DNA damage. A lesser known side effect, but a potential complication of phototherapy is hypocalcemia. The mechanism of hypocalcemic effect of phototherapy was reported by inhibition of pineal gland via transcranial illumination, resulting in decline of melatonin secretion, which stimulates release of cortisol that inhibits bone absorption of calcium. Decreasing melatonin level leads to decrease cortisol level, resulting in hypocalcemia.