The Effect of Phototherapy on Serum Levels of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D in Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

Abstract

Background: Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the common problems in neonates; the most effective and commonly used treatment method is phototherapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of phototherapy on the calcium to urine creatinine ratio and serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in icteric neonates hospitalized in term neonates treated with phototherapy at Amirkola Hospital in Babol in year 2018. Method: This study was performed on 60 term neonates (36 boys and 24 girls) with mean age of 1.24±4.88 who underwent phototherapy. The ratio of calcium to urine creatinine and serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was determined before and 72 hours after phototherapy. Findings: The results of this study showed that the mean serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in icteric neonates before phototherapy was 28.12 ng/dl and after 72 hours of phototherapy was 26.17 ng/dl, which was significantly decreased (P=0.03). Also, the calcium to urinary creatinine ratio in the icteric neonates before phototherapy was 0.16 and after 72 hours phototherapy was 0.17 which significantly increased (P=0.03). Conclusion: Phototherapy reduces serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and increases urinary excretion of calcium in term neonates.