Electrolyte Changes (Serum Sodium, Potassium, Calcium) in Neonates Receiving Phototherapy for Neonatal Jaundice - An Analytical Study

Abstract

Background: Neonatal jaundice nearly affects 60% of term and 80% of preterm neonates during first week of life.

serum bilirubin of more than 12.9 mg% is present in 6.1% of well term newborn. 3% of normal term newborn shows Serum bilirubin over 15 mg% . If not treated, then severe unconjugated jaundice is potentially neurotoxic and conjugated jaundice is a harbinger of underlying serious illness2.Neonatal jaundice means it is liver’s immaturity to excrete bilirubin and neonatal jaundice is the most common reason for admission of neonates in first week of life after postnatal discharge from hospital3. Neonatal jaundice is a cause of concern for both parents and pediatricians4.

Aim & Objective:1 To evaluate electrolyte changes in neonates after receiving phototherapy in neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia.

Methods: Hospital Based Analytical type of study. Study setting: Neonatal intensive care unit of a Department of Pediatrics, DR S.C.G.M.C. Nanded, Maharashtra. Study duration: 2 years (August 2023 to August 2025). Study population: 100 full term neonates

Sample size: 100

Results:  49% neonates were Male and 51% were female neonates. 35% neonates had 37-38 wks gestational age followed by 55% 39- 40 wks gestational age and 10% having gestation age 41 -42 wks. 35 % neonates were SGA followed by 62 % neonates were AGA ,3% neonates were LGA. before giving phototherapy, 1% neonates had Sr. Bilirubin less than or equal to 10 mg/dl, followed by 84 % neonates with Sr. Bilirubin 11-14 mg/dl, and 15% neonates with more than or equal to 15 mg/dl Bilirubin. after giving phototherapy, 4% neonates had Bilirubin level less than 2 mg/dl followed by 54% neonates with Bilirubin level 2 to 4 mg/dl and 42% had bilirubin level between4-6 mg/dl. When comparing the serum sodium before and after Phototherapy it was found that there was statistical insignificance in the values between them. Results analysed using Paired t test showed a statistically insignificant‘p’ value. When comparing the serum pottasium before and after Phototherapy it was found that there was statistical insignificance in the values between them. Results analysed using Paired t test showed a statistically in significant‘p’ value. When comparing the serum calcium before and after Phototherapy it was found that there was statistical significant in the values between them. Results analysed using Paired t test showed a statistically significant‘p’ value. All Full Term Neonates (100%)admitted for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia after receiving Phototherapy were discharged.

Conclusions: Significant reduction in the levels of serum calcium was seen in full term newborns with icterus which was induced by phototherapy.