Impact of Light Emitting Diode Phototherapy in Full-Term Neonates with Hyperbilirubinemia

Abstract

Abstract Background: To study the difference in serum total calcium levels during phototherapy with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in full-term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia. Materials and Methods: In this prospective observational study, 74 term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia who were admitted for phototherapy using LEDs devices were examined. The research was carried out in a tertiary care facility. Before and after the phototherapy treatment, total serum bilirubin levels as well as total serum calcium levels were measured and compared. The symptoms observed with hypocalcemia, such as drowsiness irritability/excitability, lethargy, and convulsions, were also evaluated in full-term neonates during this study. Results: After treatment, the total serum calcium level decreased significantly (P < 0.001) compared to the pretreatment level. Around 5% of the term neonates who participated in the study had hypocalcemia, where the serum calcium level is defined that is lower than 8 mg/dL in term neonates. Conclusions: In the context of the treatment of neonatal jaundice in full-term neonates, LED phototherapy, which is analogous to traditional blue and white light phototherapy, also has hypocalcemia as one of its potential side effects. During their treatment with light-emitting diode phototherapy, we advise checking up on these full-term neonates for signs of hypocalcemia.