Comparison of serum total calcium, dialyzable calcium, and dialyzable magnesium in well and sick neonates

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Pediatric Biochemistry
• Clinical Chemistry

Background:

• Serum calcium and magnesium are critical electrolytes in newborns.
• Understanding their levels in relation to health status is vital for neonatal care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between serum total calcium, dialyzable calcium, and dialyzable magnesium in well and sick newborns.
• To correlate these electrolyte levels with infant characteristics and clinical condition.

Main Methods:

• Ion chromatography was used to measure serum concentrations of total calcium, dialyzable calcium, and dialyzable magnesium.
• Data were collected from 61 newborn infants aged 7-76 hours.
• Infant history, sickness scale, birth weight, gestational age, Apgar scores, and other serum markers were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Sick newborns had significantly lower serum total calcium and dialyzable magnesium compared to well infants.
• Serum total and dialyzable calcium levels showed a biphasic pattern, decreasing then increasing around 30 hours of age.
• Serum dialyzable magnesium increased with infant age.
• Serum total calcium correlated significantly with birth weight, gestational age, 1-minute Apgar score, respiratory distress, sickness severity, and serum bilirubin and sodium levels.

Conclusions:

• Serum total calcium and dialyzable magnesium levels can differentiate between well and sick newborns.
• Age-dependent changes in calcium and magnesium warrant consideration in neonatal assessments.
• Serum total calcium is a sensitive indicator reflecting various neonatal health parameters.