The Frequency of Early and Late Hypocalcemia Among Hospitalized Newborns in An Iranian Hospital

Abstract

Background: Hypocalcemia is a common neonatal abnormality particularly in high-risk neonates. Hypocalcaemic neonates with early diagnosis recover after a period of treatment with calcium. Objectives: In this study we aimed to determine the frequency of early and late hypocalcemia, as well as the influence of some relating factors. Patients and Methods: One hundred neonates with early or late hypocalcemia (hospitalized in Aliasghar Hospital of Tehran, Iran, during 2011) were enrolled. The required information was extracted from medical records. The frequency of each hypocalcemia type and relating factors were assessed. Results: Amongst all subjects, 63% had early and 37% had late hypocalcemia. We found significant associations between early or late hypocalcemia with Apgar score of < 5 and prematurity (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Calcium supplemented food could prevent hypocalcemia complications in high-risk neonates.