Frequency of hypocalcemia and indirect hyperbilirubinemia in preterm babies remain admitted in Independent University Hospital.

Abstract

Introduction: Premature birth and low-birth weight are major causes of neonatal mortality, occurrence is 29%. Complications of prematurity and its risk factors are comparatively lesser in late preterm babies. Preterm babies are at higher risk of development of Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, patent ductus arteriosus sepsis, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, hypocalcaemia, and hyperbilirubinemia. No recent and current reliable data is available regarding frequency of hyperbilirubinemia and metabolic abnormalities in very preterm babies. Early detection of hyper-bilirubinemia, hypoglycemia and hypocalcaemia can help in better management and decrease neonatal morbidity and mortality. Objectives: To determine the frequency of hyper-bilirubinemia and metabolic abnormalities in very preterm babies. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Neonatology department, Independent University Hospital, Faisalabad. Period: 14^thJune 2016 to 13^thJuly 2017. Material & Methods: 120 very preterm singleton babies born between 28–34 weeks gestation, without lethal congenital anomalies and birth weight > 500 gram presenting in neonatal emergency within first 24 hours of birth were included. Neonates born to mothers with diabetes mellitus, addiction, renal failure, hemoglubinopathies, Rh negative blood group along with neonates with toxemia, congenital pneumonia, congenital malformation, or any genetic syndrome were excluded. Results: Mean gestational age was 31±1.4weeks. Male patients were dominant (52%) than the females (48%). Hyperbilirubinemia, hypoglycemia and hypocalcemia was present in 68(57%), 27(22.5%) and 23(19%) patients respectively. Conclusion: Hyperbilirubinemia and metabolic abnormalities are common in very preterm babies and by knowing the magnitude of these problems early preventive measure can be acquired to reduce the neonatal mortality and morbidity