Serum electrolyte disorders in asphyxiated neonates

Background: Perinatal asphyxia is one of common causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Disorders of electrolytes are more common in the immediate postnatal period and could affects the outcomes of neonates significantly. Therefore, we conducted this study with specific aims to describe the electrolyte status in asphyxiated neonates and find out several factors associated to electrolyte disorders in asphyxiated neonates. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out with 80 asphyxiated neonates admitted at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Hue Central Hospital, Hue City, from April 2021 to August 2022. Results: In asphyxiated neonates, average serum value of sodium, potassium, calcium were 136.6; 4.8 and 1.1 mmol/l, respectively. 62.5% asphyxiated neonates had electrolyte disorders. Hypocalcemia was the most common disorder with 37.5%, followed by hyponatremia (32.5%). Hyperkalemia was accounted for 13.7%. We observed the higher hyponatremia and hyperkalemia in severe asphyxia than in moderate asphyxia. Apgar score less than 7 at 5 minutes was associated with the increased risk of hyponatremia and hyperkalemia (odd ratio:8.9; 29.3, respectively with p < 0.01). There was the correlation of Apgar score at 5 minutes with sodium and potassium on the asphyxiated neonates (rs = 0.3 and rs = - 0.6, respectively with p < 0.05). Conclusion: Electrolyte disorders are common in asphyxiated neonates. The common types of electrolyte disorders in asphyxiated neonates were hyponatremia and hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia. Key words: hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, hypocalcemia, asphyxiated neonates.