Effect of Light-Emitting Diode Phototherapy on Serum Calcium Levels in Neonates With Jaundice

Background: To assess the change in serum total calcium levels during light-emitting diode phototherapy treatment for jaundice in term neonates. Methods: A prospective observational study was done on 104 term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia in a tertiary care center to investigate the effects of phototherapy using a light-emitting diode device. The total serum bilirubin along with total calcium levels was measured at the start and at the end of phototherapy. Additionally, all the newborns enrolled in the study were evaluated for hypocalcaemia-related symptoms such as jitteriness, irritability/excitability, lethargy, and convulsions. Results: A significant lowering of posttreatment total calcium level compared to that of pretreatment level (p<0.001) was found in our study. Hypocalcemia (serum calcium <8 mg/dL in term neonates) was found in 12.5% of the study subjects. Conclusions: In the treatment of neonatal jaundice, similar to conventional blue and white light phototherapy, light-emitting diode phototherapy also has hypocalcemia as an adverse effect. We recommend monitoring these babies for hypocalcemia during light-emitting diode phototherapy.