A Study on Phototherapy Induced Electrolyte Imbalance in Hyperbilirubinemia of New Borns Admitted in NICU Of Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract

Introduction: Nearly all newborns acquire abnormally high levels of bilirubin (i.e., total serum bilirubin (TSB) greater than 1 mg/dL [17 micro mol/L], which is the maximum limit of what is considered normal for adults). If TSB levels continue to rise, the newborn may show obvious signs of jaundice.Phototherapy is the first line of treatment for unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in newborn infants who have been born full term or who were born late preterm.Phototherapy should be recommended only when threshold or near-threshold TSB levels are reached, and only with acceptable light sources that have been appropriately recognized. This study was conducted to estimate the serum electrolytes in term neonates before and after phototherapy. Methodology: 50 neonates who were either delivered intramurally or extramurally and who were referred to this location with hyperbilirubinemia that was not associated with any comorbidities and who underwent phototherapy for at least 24 hours were included in the study. Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed a decline in the levels of serum sodium, potassium and calcium levels in infants exposed to PT. Even though the exact mechanism for this decline could not be understood clearly, further large sample studies are needed to elucidate the same. We must not forget that these imbalances might have an adverse effect on the neonates and must remain keen eyed.Hence we strongly suggest assessment of serum calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate along with routine measurement of serum bilirubin in neonates before and after phototherapy. Thus by regular monitoring and maintaining normal serum electrolyte levels we can avoid the development of complications in icteric neonates receiving phototherapy.