The Clinical Research of the Variation in Serum Electrolyte and Blood Sugar of the Asphyxia Neonates

Abstract

Objective To investigate the disease progress of concentration of serum electrolytes and glucose in asphyxiated neonates. Methods 65 asphyxia neonates who had no intravenous infusion were divided into mild asphyxia group(n=32) and severe asphyxia group(n=33) according to the Apgar scale in the Department of Pediatrics, First Hospital of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture from January 2006 to December 2006. 30 newborns without asphyxia were as the control group (Informed consent was obtained from all participants). The first peripheral blood samples without any treatment were drew for analysis of the serum electrolytes and blood sugar, which were calculated by Chi-square, student-t test and odds ratio (OR). Results Besides the serum potassium, other electrolytes (sodium, chlorine, calcium) in the asphyxia group decreased significantly (P<0.01) in contrast to the control group. Far greater incidence suggested by OR analysis that hyponatremia, low blood chlorine, hypocalcemia and high blood sugar were found in the asphyxia group. The low blood sugar and hyperkalemia were less likely to occur, whereas the asphyxiated group were liable to hyperglycemia in comparison to the control group (P<0.01). There were significant difference in hyponatremia, low blood chlorine, hypocalcemia, and high blood sugar between mild and severe asphyxia subgroup (P<0.01). Conclusion Neonatal asphyxia may give rise to serum electrolyte disturbance and changes of blood glucose which are the risk factors of disease progress and prognosis. Timely identification and correction of the internal environment would reduce the multiple organ damages. Key words: neonatal asphyxia; hyperglycemia; serum electrolyte