Electrolyte Changes Following Phototherapy in Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia (NH) is the commonest abnormal physical finding during the first week of life. Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia (NH) is the most common cause for readmission during the early neonatal period and is a cause of concern for the parents as well as for the pediatricians. Hence appropriate management of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia is of paramount importance. Phototherapy plays a significant role in prevention and treatment of hyperbilirubinemia. However, this treatment modality may itself result in inherent complications. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the electrolyte changes in neonates receiving phototherapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. METHOD A prospective hospital based observational comparative study conducted on 252 eligible neonates admitted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit receiving phototherapy at a teaching Hospital from December 1st 2012 to May 31st 2014. A predesigned proforma has aided the enrollment of newborns into the study according to AAP guidelines. Serum bilirubin and electrolytes were determined before and after termination of phototherapy. The first samples were considered as controls. A comparative study was made between before and after phototherapy groups to determine the incidence of electrolyte changes. RESULTS The study group included 252 neonates that were managed with phototherapy. Male Female ratio was 1.451. Incidence of low birth weight babies was 23 % and preterm was 20.2 %. Mean birth weight and gestational age was 2.840.51 kg and 38.441.98 weeks respectively. Mean duration of phototherapy was 37.6511.06hrs. The incidence of hypocalcemia post phototherapy found to be 13.1 % (p=0.013) which was more in LBW babies (36.2 %, p