EFFECTS OF PHOTOTHERAPY ON SERUM CALCIUM LEVEL IN NEONATES WITH HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the effect of phototherapy on serum calcium level in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia.

Methods:Data Collection: It is a descriptive study conducted at Department of pediatrics, PAF Mushaf hospital from 14 March 2025 to 14 September 2025.

Ninety-six neonates who met the selection criteria were enrolled upon providing informed consent; their demographic details were then recorded. Baseline serum calcium levels were measured prior to initiating phototherapy, which was administered for 48 hours. During treatment, all neonates received oral feeding supplemented with 20% intravenous fluids to compensate for phototherapy-related losses. A post-phototherapy assessment of serum calcium levels was conducted at the 48-hour mark, and all resultant data were captured using a pre-designed proforma.

Results: Of the 96 neonates, 61.5% (n=59) were male and 38.5% (n=37) were female. Mean serum calcium declined significantly from a pre-treatment level of 9.25 ± 0.29 mg/dl to 7.32 ± 0.22 mg/dl after 48 hours (mean decrease: 1.93 ± 0.36 mg/dl, p<0.001).

Conclusion: The study found phototherapy to be significantly associated with reduced serum calcium levels in hyperbilirubinemic neonates, noting a significant decline from baseline specifically after the 48-hour.