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Studies in calcium metabolism in infants with intrauterine growth retardation
Insights
Serial calcium (Ca) levels in infants with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) were studied. Asphyxiated IUGR infants showed significant hypocalcemia, while well-born infants did not, indicating birth condition impacts neonatal calcium levels.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is a significant concern in neonatology.
- Neonatal hypocalcemia is a common complication, but its incidence in IUGR infants requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze serial serum calcium (Ca) values in infants with IUGR.
- To investigate the relationship between serum Ca levels and clinical/biochemical factors in IUGR infants.
- To determine if IUGR increases the risk of neonatal hypocalcemia.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of serial serum Ca values in 47 infants with IUGR.
- Correlation of serum Ca with birth asphyxia, acidosis treatment (bicarbonate therapy), and serum phosphorus (P) levels.
- Comparison of Ca concentrations with normative data for appropriate for gestational age infants.
Main Results:
- Serum Ca concentrations in IUGR infants were within normal limits for their gestational age.
- Serum Ca levels showed significant correlations with birth asphyxia and bicarbonate therapy.
- Serum Ca at 24 hours of age was inversely correlated with serum P levels.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of neonatal hypocalcemia is not elevated in IUGR infants compared to expected rates for gestational age.
- Well-born IUGR infants do not appear to develop neonatal hypocalcemia.
- IUGR infants experiencing birth asphyxia are at significant risk for developing hypocalcemia.
Abstract:
Serial serum Ca values in 47 infants with intrauterine growth retardation were analyzed in relation to clinical and biochemical factors. Serum Ca concentrations in IUGR infants fell within the 95 percent confidence limits for serum Ca in infants whose birth weights were appropriate for gestational age. Serum Ca concentrations in IUGR infants were significantly correlated with birth asphyxia and bicarbonate therapy for acidosis. Serum Ca concentration at 24 hours of age was inversely correlated with serum P values. Thus the incidence of neonatal hyocalcemia in IUGR infants is not increased above the incidence expected from their respective gestational ages. Infants with IUGR who are well at birth do not appear to develop neonatal hypocalcemia, but IUGR infants who are asphyxiated at birth develop significant hypocalcemia.