But it has other vital functions as well, such as helping the hear to beat properly. We all have calcium in our bodies, but in premature infants there often isn't enough to work effectively. Babies who are born prematurely spend the first few weeks, and even months, of their lives receiving continuous medications to help their hearts function until all of their internal organs are more fully developed. Strong heart support is crucial to the overall well-being of premature infants, ensuring they get enough blood and oxygen, which affects their lungs, blood pressure and the brain. A new study at UC Davis Children's Hospital, funded by Children's Miracle Network and lead by Dr. Moon, studies the effects of administering calcium to premature infants within 24 hours of birth to naturally improve the functioning of the heart muscle and decrease the levels of medication necessary to keep vital organs functioning, as well as decrease the number of overall complications.
Preemies are very unstable during their first days of life.
By replacing calcium, an electrolyte in our blood stream, we can improve heart, lung and brain functions without using so many other drugs. In about 80 percent of preemies and a smaller percentage of term babies, calcium drops to a dangerously low amount within the first 24 hours. Traditionally, medications have been used to support the heart function. However, if you maintain calcium levels better, the need for these drugs may be alleviated, according to Dr. Moon. Children's Miracle Network funding has provided the equipment necessary to carry out the research, including a catheter system interfaced with a computer system, as well as the software required to analyze the data.