Introduction: Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the most prevalent problems in neonates. Jaundice is observed during first week of life in approximately 60% of term neonates and 80 % of preterm neonates. Phototherapy is one of the routine methods for management of hyperbilirubinemia. Many studies reported that calcium, copper, zinc and magnesium play an important role in the pathogenesis and development of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, but the effect of phototherapy on these trace elements is unknown.
Aim of work: The aim of the study is to estimate the Blood Levels of Zinc, magnesium, copper and calcium and their relation to serum unconjugated bilirubin in Full term neonates with non-hemolytic unconjugated hyperbilirubinema admitted to NICU for phototherapy immediately before phototherapy and 12-24 hours after stopping phototherapy.
Patients and methods: The current cross sectional study was conducted at neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of ELsayed Jalal University Hospital, Cairo, starting from December 2017 to December 2018. The study included 100 full term neonates with symptoms, signs and laboratory findings of neonatal indirect hyperbilirubinemia treated with phototherapy.
Results of the study: The mean serum calcium, copper and magnesium level in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia was significantly higher, while the mean serum zinc level was lower in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia; these levels were changed after phototherapy, there was statistically significant difference (decrease) in total bilirubin, calcium and magnesium. But regarding Zinc and copper there was statistically significant increase after phototherapy.
Conclusion: Phototherapy results in decreased serum levels of total bilirubin, calcium and Magnesium and increased serum levels of Zinc and copper after phototherapy.
Recommendations: Based on the findings of the current study, phototherapy can significantly decrease in the levels of calcium and magnesium and an increase in the level of zinc and copper in jaundice term infants undergoing phototherapy. Therefore, it is suggested that further studies be conducted on the effect of phototherapy on the levels of calcium, magnesium, and zinc and copper on premature and pre-term infants.