The Outcome of Photo-Therapy on Serum Calcium Values in Term Neonates: A Cross Sectional Study
Sachin Mulye
Department of Neonatology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha-442001, India.
Rohini Gulhane
Department of Pediatrics, Datta Meghe Medical College, Nagpur-441110, India.
Revatdhama J. Meshram
Department of Pediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha-442001, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: In the management of hyperbilirubinemia in neonates, phototherapy is an important treatment modality. Photo-therapy can cause skin rashes, diarrhoea, increase in body temperature, retinal damage and bronze baby syndrome. Photo-therapy is thought to influence serum calcium levels by inhibiting pineal melatonin secretion.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of this research was to see how photo-therapy affected serum calcium values in a term neonate.
Materials and Methods: Over the course of six months, 74 neonates were studied in the neonatology department of a tertiary healthcare centre in Central India.
Results: Calcium values fell in 77 % of the neonates in our sample, but only one case fell into significant symptomatic hypocalcemic range (1 percent).
Conclusion: According to the findings, neonates who are receiving photo-therapy have a higher risk of falling into the hypocalemic range. As a result, neonates should be strictly observed for calcium shifts and treated appropriately.
Keywords: Photo-therapy, serum calcium values, term neonate