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Neonatal hypocalcemia and its relation to vitamin D and calcium supplementation

Asmaa Y Elsary1, Alkassem A Elgameel, Wael S Mohammed

  • 1Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt. E-mail. asmaa_elsary@yahoo.com.

Saudi Medical Journal
|March 16, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Neonatal hypocalcemia is common in outpatient clinics, affecting 76% of infants. Supplementation with vitamin D and calcium is crucial, as deficiencies are linked to higher hypocalcemia rates, especially in jaundiced newborns.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Public Health Nutrition

Background:

  • Hypocalcemia is a frequent complication in newborns, particularly in outpatient settings.
  • Vitamin D and calcium supplementation are standard practices, but their effectiveness in preventing neonatal hypocalcemia requires further assessment.
  • The prevalence of hypocalcemia and its association with supplementation and neonatal factors like jaundice needs clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of hypocalcemia among neonates attending an outpatient clinic.
  • To investigate the relationship between neonatal hypocalcemia and vitamin D and calcium supplementation.
  • To identify risk factors associated with hypocalcemia in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted involving 100 neonates and their mothers.
  • Data collection included structured questionnaires on socio-demographic, maternal, and neonatal history.
  • Serum levels of total calcium, ionized calcium, and vitamin D were measured.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of hypocalcemia was high at 76%, with late-onset hypocalcemia accounting for 52% of cases.
  • Hypovitaminosis D was observed in 38% of neonates.
  • Hypocalcemia was significantly more common in neonates without vitamin D supplementation (98.7%) and maternal calcium supplementation (57.9%).
  • A history of neonatal jaundice requiring phototherapy was associated with increased hypocalcemia risk (46.1% to 53.8% in late hypocalcemia).

Conclusions:

  • Neonatal hypocalcemia is highly prevalent in the Fayoum governorate.
  • Lack of maternal calcium and neonatal vitamin D supplementation are significant risk factors.
  • Neonatal jaundice treated with phototherapy is associated with an increased prevalence of hypocalcemia.
Abstract

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