Prevalence and factors associated with calcium disturbances among neonates admitted with nec at Lira regional referral hospital: A cross-sectional study.

Abukar Hussein; Abdirahman  Ali Osobow; Nimo  Omar Mayow; Sowda  Abdirizak Mohamed; Mohamed  Abdi Ahmed; Abdiaziz  Osman Jama; Zeinab  Aboubaker Abdirahman; Maslah  Osman Ali; Mohamud  Abdalla Hassan; Djamila  Magan Mohamed

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i2.2651

Authors

Abukar Hussein Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University, Ishaka – Bushenyi – Uganda
Abdirahman Ali Osobow Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University, Ishaka – Bushenyi – Uganda
Nimo Omar Mayow Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University, Ishaka – Bushenyi – Uganda
Sowda Abdirizak Mohamed Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University, Ishaka – Bushenyi – Uganda
Mohamed Abdi Ahmed Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University, Ishaka – Bushenyi – Uganda
Abdiaziz Osman Jama Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University, Ishaka – Bushenyi – Uganda
Zeinab Aboubaker Abdirahman Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University, Ishaka – Bushenyi – Uganda
Maslah Osman Ali Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University, Ishaka – Bushenyi – Uganda
Mohamud Abdalla Hassan Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University, Ishaka – Bushenyi – Uganda
Djamila Magan Mohamed Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University, Ishaka – Bushenyi – Uganda

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i2.2651

Keywords:

Necrotizing enterocolitis, hypocalcemia, hypercalceemia, neonates, electrolyte imbalance, Uganda

Abstract

Background:

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, particularly among preterm and low birth weight infants. Calcium disturbances, including hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia, are common complications in critically ill neonates and are associated with poor outcomes. However, there is limited data on calcium disturbances among neonates with NEC in Uganda.

Objective:

To determine the prevalence and factors associated with calcium disturbances among neonates admitted with necrotizing enterocolitis at Lira Regional Referral Hospital.

Methods:

A hospital-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 151 neonates with NEC admitted between February and April 2025. Data were collected using a structured tool and analyzed using STATA version 14. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize variables. Bivariate analysis was performed to identify associated factors, and variables with p < 0.2 were included in multivariable logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results:

The prevalence of calcium disturbances was 15.9% (95% CI: 10.8%–22.7%). In multivariable analysis, maternal corticosteroid use (AOR = 5.22, 95% CI: 1.10–24.79, p = 0.04) and neonatal convulsions (AOR = 7.08, 95% CI: 1.19–18.65, p = 0.02) were independently associated with hypocalcemia. For hypercalcemia, urban residence (AOR = 8.99, 95% CI: 1.63–49.53, p = 0.012), maternal gestational hypertension (AOR = 6.90, 95% CI: 1.03–46.13, p = 0.046), and neonatal fever (AOR = 17.49, 95% CI: 2.32–24.89, p < 0.001) were significant predictors.

Conclusion:

Calcium disturbances are common among neonates with NEC and are associated with both maternal and neonatal factors.

Recommendation:

Neonates admitted with NEC should undergo routine serum calcium assessment for early detection and timely correction of calcium disturbances.

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