Treatment of early-onset neonatal hypocalcemia. Effects on serum calcium and ionized calcium
Brown, D.R.; Steranka, B.H.; Taylor, F.H.
American Journal of Diseases of Children 135(1): 24-28
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-922X PMID: 7457440 Document Number: 179121
For the treatment of early-onset neonatal hypocalcemia, 50 neonates received a high dose (group H), a low dose (group L) or no parenteral Ca (group CON). Groups H and L received parenteral Ca as a continuous infusion (group C) or by intermittent injection (group I). After the first 24 h of treatment, groups H, C and I had higher serum Ca concentrations than group CON. After the 72 h study period, group H had a lower incidence of hypocalcemia (serum Ca level < 7.0 mg/dl) compared with all other patients. Although a relatively high Ca intake statistically increased serum Ca levels, 8 of 13 patients in group CON (62%) completed the 72 h study without requiring parenteral Ca. Parenteral Ca treatment is recommended for those patients with persistent hypocalcemia, tetany or a seizure disorder.