Question
What is the care for newborns with hypocalcemia?
Answer
Hypocalcemia in newborns is typically caused by insufficient calcium reserves or excessive phosphorus intake within the first two days after birth. Newborns with low birth weight, asphyxia, and respiratory distress syndrome have a higher incidence of hypocalcemia compared to full-term normal newborns. Within the first three days after birth, blood calcium levels may be low due to excessive phosphorus intake. In rare cases, congenital hypoparathyroidism can also lead to hypocalcemia, which may persist for a long time or appear even earlier.