Electrolyte disturbance in asphyxiated neonates in maternity hospital in Erbil, Iraq

Background: Perinatal asphyxia is the worldwide most common cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. It accounts for about 25% of all neonatal deaths. Electrolyte disturbances are the most common problem of asphyxiated neonates. This study measures the serum sodium, potassium, and calcium levels in asphyxiated neonates. Objective: The objective is to study serum calcium, serum potassium, and serum sodium levels in asphyxiated newborns of different severity in the early neonatal period and compare with controls. Materials and Methods: The serum potassium, sodium, and calcium levels of asphyxiated neonates were measured in postnatal period. Neonates were included according to the Apgar score and clinical examination. The measured electrolyte values were compared with the normal neonates. Results: From 50 asphyxiated neonates, 17 had hyponatremia, 6 had hyperkalemia, and 4 had hypocalcemia. The serum sodium and potassium levels showed statistically significant (P < 0.00) with the different degree of asphyxia, but calcium levels were not statistically significant (P = 0.06). There was a negative linear correlation with sodium and calcium levels but with the serum potassium levels was positive. Conclusions: Hyponatremia was significant in all stages of birth asphyxia, hyperkalemia was significant with increased severity of birth asphyxia, and hypocalcemia was not significant.