ELECTROLYTE CHANGES IN NEONATES >35WKS GESTATION RECEIVING PHOTOTHERAPY FOR JAUNDICE PROSPECTIVE STUDY CONDUCTED AT TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

Abstract

Jaundice is one of the most common problem that can occur in the newborn. The study group included 100 neonates and control group included 100 neonates. All had hyperbilirubinemia. The controls were fully matched with the study group. All the neonates included in the study group required management with phototherapy. The neonates in the control group were managed without phototherapy. Measurement of serum calcium level, serum sodium levels was done before and after 48 hours of institution of phototherapy in study groups and controls. Before phototherapy, there was no statistical significant difference in mean serum calcium level, serum sodium level in neonates of both study & control group. After 48 hours of phototherapy in study group, a significant fall in calcium level in 38-40 wks 5.08% & 14.6% 35-37 wks neonates was observed, significant fall in serum sodium levels 38-40 wks 5.08% and 35-37wks 7.3%. Whereas, no difference was observed in control group. It is suggested that electrolytes levels be assessed in neonates treated with phototherapy for more than 48 hours and managed accordingly.