A study to find out the effects of phototherapy on serum electrolytes in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia

Abstract

Introduction

Neonatal jaundice is the commonest morbidity in neonatal period during the first week of life. Neonatal

hyperbilirubinemia nearly affects 60% of term and 80% of preterm neonates during the first week of life.

Phototherapy plays a significant role in the prevention and treatment of hyperbilirubinemia. A lesser-known side

effect, but the potential complication of phototherapy is electrolyte imbalance, especially hypocalcaemia.

Aims and objectives

This study aims to evaluate the effects of phototherapy on serum sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium in

neonates with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and also to determine the incidence of hypocalcemia in neonates

receiving phototherapy

Materials & methods

After the clearance from the ethical committee, we undertook a prospective observational study to assess the

effects of phototherapy in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in regards to various biochemical parameters over the

period of 18 months (from 1st April 2021 to 30thSeptember 2022) in NICU of a tertiary care teaching hospital in a

rural area of Bihar.

Results

Our study included 105 neonates. Levels of bilirubin profile were elevated significantly in patients prior to

phototherapy and returned to normal generally after 48 hours of phototherapy. There was also a significant

decline in the levels of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium (p value<0.0001). Incidence of

hypocalcemia was in 6.9% of preterm neonates while in term neonates was 23.7%.

Conclusion

This study documented that phototherapy affects the serum sodium, potassium, chloride, and serum calcium.

Hence, serial monitoring of serum level of these electrolytes should be considered a high-priority during

management of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.