Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Hypocalcaemia is a biochemical abnormality noted in neonates and considered a possible side-effect of maternal MgSO4 administration. Suggested mechanism is maternal hypermagnesemia inhibits secretion of maternal parathyroid hormone, causing maternal and foetal/neonatal hypocalcaemia.

Objectives: This study is aimed to identify common risk factors, presentation, biochemical abnormalities, severity, and any correlation between maternal MgSO4 therapy and hypocalcaemia in neonates.

Methodology: Retrospective cohort study for neonates admitted to Neonatal /Transitional Care Unit in Walsall Manor Hospital over 6-month, from 01/01/2022 to 30/06/2022.

Inclusion criteria: Term/preterm weighing >1500 g: total calcium <2 mmol/l or ionized calcium <1.1mmol/l Very low birth weight weighing <1500 g: total calcium <1.75 mmol/l or ionized calcium <1mmol/l.

Results: Total live births (TLB) were 1762, 195 admitted to NNU; 78 had biochemical evidence of hypocalcaemia, 18 were <34+6 gestation, 6 were <30 weeks and 12 were 30+0 - 33+6 weeks.

Discussion and recommendation: Mean ionized calcium for neonates whose mothers received MgSO4 (1.03mmol/l) was higher than that of neonates whose mother’s did not receive MgSO4 (0.98mmol/l). Mean total calcium for neonates whose mothers received MgSO4 (2.29 mmol/l) was lower than that of neonates whose mother’s did not receive MgSO4 (2.53 mmol/l). P value is above 0.05, hence we reject the alternative hypothesis that maternal MgSO4 is correlated with neonatal hypocalcaemia and accept the null hypothesis that MgSO4 has no effect on neonatal calcium levels. The limitation is the small sample size, hence multi-center study is recommended.