Frequency of Hypocalcemia with Exchange Transfusion in Neonatal Jaundice

Abstract

Aim: To determine the frequency of hypocalcemia with exchange transfusion in neonatal jaundice. Study design: Descriptive cross-sectional study Place and duration of study: Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, Naseer Teaching Hospital Peshawar from 1stJanuary 2018 to 31st December 2018. Methodology: One hundred and sixty twopatients of jaundiced neonates having total serum bilirubin >20mg/dl, both gender and patients having age up to 14 days were included. Patients fulfilling the selection criteria had undergone exchange transfusion. Hypocalcaemia was evaluated and considered positive if calcium serum level is <8 mg/dl or <2 mmol/L. Results: 50% of neonates were between 1-5 days, 45% of neonates were between 5-10 days, and 3% of neonates were in age 10-14 days. One hundred and ten (68%) of neonates were males and 52 (32%) of neonates were females. 30% neonates had hypocalcemia while 70% were without hypocalcemia. Conclusion: The incidence of hypocalcemia was found to be 30% with exchange transfusion in neonatal jaundice. Keywords: Hypocalcemia, Exchange transfusion, Neonatal jaundice