What causes low calcium levels and elevated liver enzymes in new born baby?
Patient: Hi I have a question about my newborn nephew he was born yesterday morning at 9:14 he has low calcium levels and high liver enzyme levels and jaundace. They gave him IV calcium last night and it only brought his level up from 8.3 to8.4 so there giving him more this morning. The docotors won t tell us anything what we do know we ve had to make them tell us. Can you pls help me understand what s going? Doctor: Hi,Welcome to Hcm,Its a shame that your doctors dont seem to be explaining you what's happening. But don't worry, I am sure they must be waiting to get some more reports to finally give a complete talk to you. With the info you provided, child seems to be having low calcium which is not so uncommon thing seen in neonates. The most common cause is secondary to vitamin D deficiency which is very commonly seen in neonates these times. The best thing to do is to correct calcium whixh your doctors are doing. Having said that 8.3 calcium is not too low to be so worried about. The more of concern is the jaundice in the baby. However, I need more details regarding mother and child blood groups , gestational age of the baby and feeding status before I could comment more regarding that. Hope I was of some help to you. Take care.