Hypocalcemia: Underlying factors in rural area

Aim: to study the underlying factors of hypocalcaemia in infants coming from rural setting. study design: cross-sectional survey setting: department of paediatric medicine,ghurki trust teaching hospital sample size: 150 cases methodology: 150 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were included. complete history and examination was done and results were noted on a predesigned proforma for every patient. serum sample for calcium was sent to the lab. results: a total of 150 infants having hypocalcaemia were studied. there were 98 males and 52 females. majority of infants (63.3%) belonged to age group 8-10 months. little sun exposure was observed in 8% cases. feeding pattern showed prolonged exclusive breastfeeding in 82% cases. 54% had malnutrition. 64% infants received inadequate weaning according to their age. conclusion: little sun exposure,prolonged exclusive breastfeeding,inadequate weaning and malnutrition are major risk factors for hypocalcaemia.