Publication Details
Abstract
Neonatal hypocalcaemia is a metabolic disturbance typically observed in clinical settings and is associated with significant morbidity across different populations. In Iraq, neonatal hypocalcaemia remains exhibiting higher prevalence rates; therefore, this study aims to evaluate risk factors associated with serum calcium in neonates. A total of 50 neonates admitted to Neonatal Care Unit in Al-Zahraa Teaching Hospital as well as Al-Kut Hospital for Gynecology and Pediatric in Wasit (Iraq) were involved in this study with no exclusion criteria. Data were collected for approximately 6 months starting from February 2023 until August 2023. Demographic data of study population were classified according to sex [male (66%) and females (34%)], gestational age [term (84%) and preterm (16%)], delivery mode [NVD (8%) and CS 46 (92%)], and maternal blood group, [A (48%), B (6%), AB (4%), and O (42%)]. The findings showed a significant decrease in serum calcium among the preterm, CS, and A blood group compared to other related categories with lack of significance between female and male neonates. Also, serum calcium was reduced in infants of diabetic mother compared to non-diabetic ones, as well as in infants exposed to phototherapy compared to non-exposed ones. In conclusion, incidence of hypocalcaemia in neonate of Wasit remains high with possible existence of many consequences. Therefore, furthermore studies are necessary to investigate the more related risk factors to hypocalcaemia in neonates in particularly asymptomatic cases.