Hypocalcemia is common in the first 48 h of life in ELBW infants.

BACKGROUND

The incidence of early hypocalcemia in extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants is unknown because the distribution of serum calcium values in this population is not defined.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the range of serum calcium values in ELBW infants during the first 48 h of life and the risks associated with low values.

DESIGN/

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of all ELBW infants admitted on day 1 of life from April 2004 to October 2006. Demographic variables, therapy, serum calcium (Ca), pH, albumin, and blood ionized Ca were recorded.

RESULTS

There were 381 Ca levels obtained from 111 patients. Mean Ca was 6.90 mg/dL (1.73 mmol/L) (5(th)-95(th) percentile: 5.16-8.80). Ca levels rose after 24 h of life. Almost one quarter (23.1%) of the Ca levels were low by current standards. The majority of subjects (59.9%) had at least one hypocalcemic value.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum Ca values are lower in ELBW infants and inconsequential. Thus, hypocalcemia should be re-defined for ELBW infants.