Comparative Study of Incidence of Phototherapy Induced Hypocalcemia in Preterm V/S Term Neonates

Objective comparative study of incidence of phototherapy induced hypocalcaemia in preterm vs term neonates. Design A prospective study Setting A tertiary care center of north east India. Participants 100 full term and 100 preterm neonates with gestational age between 34 to 42 weeks were included in study. Main outcome measures Blood was drawn from these neonates to measure serum bilirubin and serum calcium at the time of initiation of phototherapy (0 hours) and at 48 hours of phototherapy or at the end of phototherapy in case duration of phototherapy is less than 48 hours. Result Total incidence of phototherapy induced hypocalcaemia in neonates getting phototherapy is 43 % (86 out of 200). Out of which incidence was more in preterm than in term neonates, more in SGA neonates then AGA. Incidence is not affected by sex of newborn and mode of delivery and parity of mother. Conclusion These values show that incidence of hypocalcaemia is a significant side effect of phototherapy and more being in preterm and SGA neonates. So while starting phototherapy for neonatal jaundice, one need to be cautious about serum calcium status.