Abstract
Hypocalcemia is a major biochemical abnormality in the first three days of life. This study was designed to define the optimal approach to treatment of this disorder. 12 neonates with ionized calcium levels (Cai) <3.0 mg/dl in the first 2 days of life were randomized into two treatment regimens: 7 received bolus infusion over 20 minutes of 125 mg/kg/dose of calcium gluconate Q6H (500 mg/kg/d) and 5 received constant infusion over 24 hours of 500 mg/kg/d. Cai was measured serially over the subsequent 48 hours of treatment (mean ± SE):
Both methods were able to maintain Cai >3.0 mg/dl. The bolus method resulted in large non-physiologic oscillations in Cai while the constant infusion method required several hours to reach physiologic levels but then maintained a constant Cai.
We conclude that constant infusion is a more physiologic approach to the treatment of early neonatal hypocalcemia and are presently studying the use of an initial bolus followed by a constant infusion in order to optimize treatment of hypocalcemia.
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Salameh, M., Fleischman, A. 1253 TREATMENT OF EARLY NEONATAL HYPOCALCEMIA. Pediatr Res 19, 319 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01283
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01283
