Parenteral calcium treatment shortens the left ventricular systolic time intervals of hypocalcemic neonates.

We studied 16 hypocalcemic premature infants before and after bolus infusions of calcium and saline. Their left ventricular systolic time interval ratios decreased significantly after calcium but not after saline administration. In addition, heart rate and systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressures increased after calcium infusion but not after saline infusion. These findings reflect an improvement in myocardial function and support the use of parenteral calcium therapy for hypocalcemic preterm neonates, particularly those who may have compromised myocardial function.