A prospective study on phototherapy induced hypocalcemia in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia

Phototherapy is used to treat neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and leads to hypocalcemia in newborns and how frequently and severely this complication occurs. Therefore, it is of interest to assess the incidence of hypocalcemia after 48 hours of phototherapy and compare its severity between term and pre-term newborns. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for total and direct bilirubin by diazo method and calcium by Arsenazo III method and the phototherapy was given to neonates who required it and followed according to AAP guidelines. The mean total bilirubin decreased from 13.76 ± 1.63 mg/dl before phototherapy to 6.87 ± 0.57 mg/dl after phototherapy and 2% of neonates developed hypocalcemia (<7 mg/dl). Hypocalcemia is less common and is seen in term neonates receiving phototherapy with calcium supplementation.