Comparison of Serum Calcium Level in Neonates with and Without Birth Asphyxia

Background: Birth asphyxia is an important neonatal problem which may lead to metabolic disturbance including hypocalcaemia. Reduced serum calcium levels in asphyxiated neonates may increase risk of neurological and systemic complications during early neonatal period. Objective: To compare serum calcium level in neonates with and without birth asphyxia. Study Design: Case control study. Duration and Place of Study: This study was carried out from 7th December 2024 to 7th May 2025 in the Department of Paediatrics, Benazir Bhutto Hospital Rawalpindi. Methodology: A total of 46 term neonates were included, with 23 neonates in each group. Neonates with Apgar score ≤6 at 5 minutes along with clinical findings of asphyxia were included as cases, while neonates with Apgar score ≥7 and normal delivery findings were taken as controls. Cord blood sample of 2 mL was collected under sterile precautions for estimation of serum calcium level. Demographic variables were also recorded. Data was analysed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0. Results: Mean serum calcium level was significantly lower in neonates with birth asphyxia (7.73 ± 0.46 mg/dL) compared to neonates without birth asphyxia (9.38 ± 0.38 mg/dL). The difference was statistically highly significant (t = −13.255, p <0.001). Male neonates were 15 (65.2%) in both groups. Lower segment caesarean section was more common in case group 13 (56.5%), while normal vaginal delivery was more frequent in controls 16 (69.6%). Conclusion: Neonates with birth asphyxia had markedly lower serum calcium levels than non-asphyxiated neonates. Early assessment of serum calcium may help in timely diagnosis