Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences

Abstract

Introduction: Phototherapy is the standard treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, however, its effects on biochemical and hematological parameters remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of phototherapy on serum magnesium, vitamin D, albumin, calcium levels, and platelet counts in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia.
Methods: A prospective before–after study was conducted on 100 neonates receiving phototherapy. Blood samples were collected before treatment and 24 hours after phototherapy. Biochemical parameters were measured using standardized assays. Albumin gene expression and protein levels were assessed using real-time PCR and Western blotting. Paired t-tests were applied to compare pre- and post-treatment values. Pearson correlation and ROC curve analyses were performed to evaluate relationships and predictive performance.
Results: Phototherapy resulted in significant reductions in platelet counts (P=0.031), albumin levels (P=0.028), magnesium (P=0.004), vitamin D (P=0.003), and calcium levels (P=0.006). Magnesium demonstrated the highest diagnostic performance (AUC=0.805), followed by the magnesium/albumin ratio (AUC=0.766). A strong positive correlation was observed between magnesium and platelet counts (r=0.736, P<0.01). Albumin mRNA expression and protein levels significantly decreased following phototherapy (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Phototherapy induces significant biochemical and hematological alterations in neonates, particularly affecting magnesium, albumin, calcium, vitamin D, and platelet levels. Routine monitoring of these parameters during phototherapy is recommended to prevent potential complications.