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Updated: May 17, 2026
13:13
Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia
Published on: August 24, 2011
Serum ionised calcium in birth asphyxia
1Department of Pediatrics, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, 141001 Ludhiana, Punjab.
Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry : IJCB
|October 30, 2012
Summary
Neonates experiencing birth asphyxia show significantly lower total and ionized calcium levels. Monitoring ionized calcium is crucial in these infants due to associated clinical issues.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Birth asphyxia is a critical condition in newborns.
- Hypocalcemia is a known complication in neonates.
- Assessing calcium levels is vital for neonatal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare serum total and ionized calcium levels in asphyxiated versus normal term neonates.
- To investigate the correlation between calcium levels and clinical features in birth asphyxia.
- To determine the necessity of serial calcium monitoring in asphyxiated infants.
Main Methods:
- Serum total and ionized calcium levels were measured at birth and 48 hours.
- Study included 25 asphyxiated neonates (APGAR ≤6) and 25 normal neonates (APGAR ≥7).
- Infants were classified as term appropriate for gestational age (TAGA) or term small for gestational age (TSGA).
Main Results:
- Asphyxiated neonates exhibited significantly lower serum total and ionized calcium at birth and 48 hours.
- 48% of asphyxiated infants presented with abnormal clinical features.
- Low ionized calcium was observed in symptomatic infants, even with normal total calcium levels.
Conclusions:
- Birth asphyxia is strongly associated with hypocalcemia, particularly low ionized calcium.
- Serial monitoring of serum ionized calcium is recommended for asphyxiated neonates.
- Hypocalcemia in asphyxiated infants can lead to significant functional derangements.
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