Incidence of Hyponatremia in Neonates Receiving Phototherapy for Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

Abstract

Objective: To determine the incidence of hyponatremia in neonates receiving phototherapy for neonatal unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia.

Study Design: Descriptive case series study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Paediatrics, Sheikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore from March 2020 to September 2020.

Materials and Methods: One hundred and eighty neonates and their demographic data were obtained. Blood sample was collected from the neonates included in the study for total bilirubin and serum sodium. Phototherapy was administered by senior consultant having experience more than 5 years after their post- graduation to avoid bias as per operational definition. Serum sodium was checked before phototherapy and at 48 hours of phototherapy.

Results: Seventy-seven (42.78%) were between 0-15 days of life while 103 (57.22%) were between 16-28 days of life with mean age was 15.03±5.78 days. One hundred and six (58.89%) were males and 74 (41.11%) were females. Mean serum sodium levels before treatment were recorded as 143.65±3.87 while 140.72±4.28 after treatment. Hyponatremia in neonates receiving phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia was recorded as 16 (8.89%).

Conclusion: The frequency of hyponatremia is not much higher in neonates receiving phototherapy but it should also be considered that the previous results are varied.