ASSOCIATION OF LOW SERUM CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM LEVELS IN TERM NEONATES WITH BIRTH ASPHYXIA

Abstract

Objective:

To find out the association between low serum calcium and magnesium levels and birth asphyxia in term neonates.

Study Design:

Case-control study.

Place and Duration of Study:

Department of Pediatric Medicine, Services Hospital, Lahore, over a period of six months (15-11-2024 to 14-05-2025).

Patients and Methods:

A total of 180 neonates (90 cases with birth asphyxia and 90 controls without birth asphyxia) were enrolled after meeting inclusion criteria. All neonates were selected from the neonatal intensive care unit over a six-month period using a consecutive sampling technique. Blood samples were collected via venipuncture under aseptic conditions to assess serum calcium and magnesium levels. Hypocalcemia was defined as serum calcium <2 mmol/L, and hypomagnesemia as serum magnesium <1.5 mg/dL. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25, and statistical significance was set at p<0.05 for all comparisons.

Results:

The mean age of the neonates was 3.37±1.67 hours, mean birth weight was 2.90±0.43 kg, and mean gestational age was 39.14±1.34 weeks. Males constituted 57.2% of the cohort,

indicating a slight male predominance. Hypocalcemia was observed in 64.4% of cases versus 13.3% of controls [OR=11.78 (5.59–24.82)], showing a strong association with birth asphyxia. Hypomagnesemia was detected in 53.3% of cases compared to 12.2% of controls [OR=8.21 (3.86–17.45)], further supporting a statistically significant link between electrolyte disturbances and asphyxia.

Conclusion:

Low serum calcium and magnesium levels are significantly associated with birth asphyxia in term neonates, highlighting the importance of early electrolyte assessment in affected infants. Routine screening for these deficiencies could aid in prompt management and potentially improve neurological outcomes in this vulnerable population. Further large-scale studies are recommended to look into the underlying mechanisms and the potential role of supplementation in reducing morbidity.