Serum Electrolytes and Glucose Levels in Neonates with Perinatal Asphyxia

Hypoxia, hypercarbia, and acidosis during perinatal period is called perinatal asphyxia which cause hypoxic-ischemic damage of tissues and electrolytes disturbances which may be the cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the serum electrolytes (Na, K, Ca, Mg) and plasma glucose levels in neonates with perinatal asphyxia and to determine their correlation with birth asphyxia severity. 100 neonates were divided into two groups (50 cases and 50 controls) based on the Apgar score after baby delivery. The cord blood serum sodium, potassium, calcium, and glucose levels were estimated in both two groups by independent t-test and Mann–Whitney U test using R software version 3.6.0. The serum electrolyte levels were correlated with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy stages. Using Spearman correlation. A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in serum sodium, calcium, potassium and glucose levels (P < 0.05). A significant negative linear correlation was found between serum sodium, calcium, and glucose lvels and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy stages.  A significant positive linear correlation was found between serum potassium level and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy stages. Hyponatremia, hypocalcemia, and hypoglycemia were detected in asphyxiated neonates and were correlated with severity of asphyxia. So, cord blood serum electrolytes and glucose estimation at high-risk neonates would be used for perinatal asphyxia early diagnosis and severity assessment.