The effects of using hat on phototherapy-induced hypocalcemia in preterm icteric infants Download PDF

Background: the most common method for reducing serum bilirubin level in the term infants is phototherapy and this method will cause some complications such as hypocalcemia. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of covering the head on phototherapy-induced hypocalcemia in preterm icteric infants in Vali-e Asr (AS) Hospital in 2015. Method: this study was performed as randomized, double-blind clinical trial study. 60 preterm infants receiving phototherapy in Vali-e Asr (AS) Hospital in 2015 were randomly selected and assigned into two experimental (n=30) and control (n=30) groups. The infants of control group were routinely received phototherapy and the infants of experimental group were received phototherapy after wearing a hat which covers the infant’s oxy-pot. Calcium and serum bilirubin were checked upon admission, 48 hours after starting phototherapy and 24 hours after cessation of phototherapy. The data was analyzed using SPSS software and t-test at significance level 0f 0.05. Results: 48 hours after starting phototherapy, the mean level of calcium in the experimental group was higher compared to the control group and 24 hours after cessation of phototherapy, the mean level of calcium in the control group was higher compared to the experimental group because of intravenous calcium intake (p0.05). In other words, 48 hours after starting phototherapy, the incidence of hypocalcemia in infants receiving phototherapy after wearing a hat was significantly less compared to the infants receiving phototherapy routinely. Conclusion: in the present study, covering the baby’s head with a hat can prevent phototherapy-induced hypocalcemia as well as calcium intake required to treat it.