Study of serum sodium levels in neonates receiving phototherapy for unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia

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Original Article

Author Details : Usharani. M

Volume : 5, Issue : 1, Year : 2018

Article Page : 112-115

https://doi.org/10.18231/2394-2126.2018.0025

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Abstract

Introduction: In the neonatal period one of the frequently faced problems is jaundice .The American Academy of Paediatrics has published a set of practice parameters for the treatment of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in healthy term infants. We follow the guidelines published by the American Academy of Paediatrics. In current practice if the bilirubin reaches a level that would require phototherapy and if it is predicted to raise we will start phototherapy. A major role is being played by phototherapy in the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia. This management method may result in inherent complications. In this study level of serum sodium study is estimated in full term neonates those who are receiving phototherapy for jaundice.
Aim and Objective: To determine the level serum sodium and to compare the levels before and after phototherapy in full-term hyperbilirubinemic neonates.
Methods: We started the study after obtaining approval from Ethical Committee. From the neonate’s mother informed consent and written consent has been attained after explaining about the study. The medical history of the neonate is obtained from the neonate’s mother. General examination and systemic examination of the neonate are carried out. A prospective study has been performed on 30 full-term jaundiced neonates. Neonates included in the study are 15 males and 15 females who have been receiving phototherapy for jaundice. We excluded neonates having risk factors from this study. Laboratory tests which are performed includes estimation of total serum bilirubin by Diazo method and estimation of serum sodium level by Ion selective electrode analyser method. These tests are being carried out prior to the commencement and following forty eight hours of initialising phototherapy. Blood samples taken from the newborn babies before the commencement of phototherapy in which serum levels of sodium and bilirubin are assessed is regarded as control group. Blood samples taken from the neonates 48 hours following establishment of phototherapy in which serum levels of sodium and bilirubin are determined is regarded as study group.
Results: Paired t test has been used for making analysis of statistics of the levels of sodium and bilirubin in serum. Forty eight hours following the commencement of phototherapy, there is a considerable reduction in levels of serum bilirubin which is being significant. No significant change is found in serum sodium levels. Serum sodium before phototherapy has been 141.44 ±1.75 mEq /L and forty eight hours after initialising phototherapy it has been 140.54 ±1.59 mEq /L.
Conclusion: Though our study shows no significant alteration in levels of serum sodium in term infants exposed to phototherapy appropriate monitoring of electrolytes subsequent to phototherapy is suggested. Accordingly we can avoid dyselectrolytemia and its related complications.

Keywords: American Academy of Paediatrics, Phototherapy, Serum bilirubin, Serum sodium, Term neonates, Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia.

How to cite : Usharani. M, Study of serum sodium levels in neonates receiving phototherapy for unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Indian J Clin Anat Physiol 2018;5(1):112-115

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