Obadha_Serum calcium levels in the first three days of life at the Kenyatta National Hospital maternity unit
Abstract
Serum levels of calcium, inorganic phosphates and
proteins, were determined for venous and cord blood samples
obtained from neomates born at Kenyatta National Hospital Maternity
t and fro their mothers within the first 72 hours of life.
Mean serum calcium value was highest in cord blood
(11.3 mg/dl, range 7.7 to 14.6 mg/dlr SD 1.7) and lowest in
asphyxiated low birth eight infants (7.9 mg/dl range 5-11.4 mgldl.
SD 1.6).
Total serum of less than 7. 5mg/dl was found
among 11.7% of all infants 27.3% of low birth weight 32.3% of
asphyxiated, and 2.6% of normal full term infants.
Neomatal hypocalcaemia was significantly higher among
low birth weight infants and in babies with birth asphyxia than normal
full term infants. No clinical symptomatology noted among the
14 hypocaleaemic infants.
Citation
Masters of Medicine (Paediatrics)Publisher
University of Nairobi School of Medicine