Study of hypocalcemia and thrombocytopenia encountered after initiation of phototherapy in treatment of neonatal jaundice / Samah Mahmoud Salah Kabel ; Supervised Magda Mahmoud Sedky Badawy , Hebatallah Mohamed Sharaf Eldin , Amira Mohamed Sabry Elsayed

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Pediatrics

ABSTRACT Jaundice is one of the most common problem that can occur in the newborn. This study group included 200 neonates (100 full term and 100 preterm) with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia requiring management with phototherapy. Neonates with conjugated hyperbilirubinemia, asphyxia, respiratory distress and sepsis were excluded. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of phototherapy on calcium level and on platelet count. Serum total and ionized calcium and platelet count were checked at admission before initiation of phototherapy, then were repeated 24 hours and 48 hours after phototherapy. Also these investigations were measured 48 hours after discontinuation of phototherapy. The prevalence of hypocalcemia was observed in 29% of term and 43% of preterm neonates. It is suggested that calcium level shoud be assessed in neonates treated with phototherapy for more than 48 hours and managed accordingly. The incidence of thrombocytopenia was seen in 32% term and 35% preterm neonates. This study establishes an association of phototherapy as a cause of thrombocytopenia in hyperbilirubinemic neonates. The incidence is clinically insignificant, so this study helps the practitioner to be aware of this association and avoid unnecessary investigations, as thrombocytopenia was transient

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