Treatment of early-onset neonatal hypocalcemia. Effects on serum calcium and ionized calcium.
For the treatment of early-onset neonatal hypocalcemia, 50 neonates received either a high dose (group H), a low dose (group L), or no parenteral calcium (Ca) (group CON). Groups H and L received parenteral Ca either as a continuous infusion (group C) or by intermittent injection (group I). After the first 24 hours of treatment, groups H, C, and I had higher serum Ca concentrations than did group CON. After the entire 72-hour study period, group H had a lower incidence of hypocalcemia (serum Ca level < 7.0 mg/dL) when compared with all other patients. Although a relatively high Ca intake statistically increased serum Ca levels, eight of 13 patients in group CON (62%) completed the 72-hour study without requiring parenteral Ca. Based on these results, we recommend parenteral Ca treatment for only those patients with persistent hypocalcemia, tetany, or a seizure disorder.
D002118:Calcium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006996:Hypocalcemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral
D002118:Calcium