Oral calcium supplementation in premature and asphyxiated meonates
Brown, D.R.; Tsang, R.C.; Chen, I.
Journal of pediatrics 89(6): 973-977
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-3476 PMID: 993926 Document Number: 96846
Biochemical and hormonal effects of oral calcium supplementation in premature and asphyxiated neonates during the first few days of life are described. Eight pairs of infants were matched for gestational age and one minute Apgar score. One member of each pair served as a control and the other was given supplemental oral calcium (75 mg/kg/24 hr) beginning at 12 and ending at 72 hours of age. In patients at risk for hypocalcemia, prospective use of oral calcium supplements during the period when there is inadequate calcium intake from feedings may prevent hypocalcemia. This appears to be without deleterious effect on measurable chemical and hormonal factors important in calcium homeostasis, and results in maintenance of higher serum calcium levels after supplementation has been discontinued.