Title: Serum Calcium Status of Neonates with or without convulsion in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Dr Md. Amirul Islam, Dr M. M. Abdus Shamim, Dr Abdullah-al-Faroque, Dr Md Abdul Latif Khan, Dr Md. Moslem Ali, Alif Amir, Dr M. E. Haque
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v7i5.103
Abstract
Background: Neonatal convulsion is a paroxysmal alteration in neurologic function, i.e. behavioral, motor, autonomic functions, either one or all three, occurring within 28 days in age. It is a common neurological disorder in neonates. Behind this convulsion metabolic derangement is one of the common reasons. Among metabolic abnormalities, hypocalcaemia is most common followed by hypoglycemia and hypomagnesaemia.
Objectives: The present study was carried out to assess serum calcium status of neonates with convulsion, where no obvious cause of convulsion was found.
Methodology: This study was carried out in neonatal care unit of Shishu (child) hospital, Jessore, from September 2018 to February 2019. A total number of 70 babies were studied with or without convulsion but had no history of fever, septicemia, meningitis, perinatal asphyxia, birth injury, CNS abnormalities. After a quick clinical evaluation and control of convulsion and before giving any specific treatment, serum calcium status was measured by colorimetric determination (O-CRE-SOL Phahalein complex) method. Neonatal hypocalcaemia is considered if serum calcium value less than 1.75 mmol/l (7mg/dl).
Results: Among a total seventy patients 31.43% had low calcium level i.e, less than 1.75 mmol/l (7mg/dl).
Conclusion: It is seen that hypocalcaemia is an important cause of neonatal convulsion due to primary metabolic abnormalities. So, early recognition & treatment could save these babies from long term neurological sequel.
Keyword: Neonate, Convulsion, Hypocalcaemia.
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