Total Serum Calcium and Ionic Calcium Levels in Birth Asphyxia: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: Birth asphyxia is one of the common neonatal problems resulting in significant mortality and morbidity. It is associated with several biochemical abnormalities which may coexist and alter the course of disease process. One of biochemical abnormality is hypocalcaemia and is associated with poor outcome. Aim: To compare total serum calcium and ionic calcium levels at birth and at 48-hours among asphyxiated and non-asphyxiated neonates. Materials and Methods: This was a case-control study consisting of 50 term asphyxiated (cases) and 50 term healthy (controls) neonates admitted under NICU MMIMSR Mullana, Ambala (Haryana) from Feburary 2018 to August 2019. Total serum calcium and ionic calcium levels were estimated and compared at birth and at 48-hours of life among cases and controls. Results: Total serum calcium and ionic calcium levels at birth were significantly lower in cases (8.04±0.89 mg/dL, 3.62±0.46 mg/dL) as compared to controls (9.32±0.72 mg/dL, 4.79±0.49 mg/dL). Total serum calcium and ionic calcium levels at 48 hours were also significantly lower in cases (9.03±0.84 mg/dL, 4.51±0.41 mg/dL) as compared to controls (9.56±0.49 mg/dL, 4.80±0.69 mg/dL). Conclusion: Total serum calcium and ionic calcium levels are decreased in birth asphyxia both at birth and at 48-hours.

Keywords

• asphyxiated neonate
• biochemical abnormalities
• calcium supplementation
• hypocalcaemia