Mean Values Of Sodium Research Articles

CHARACTERISTICS AND RESULTS OF TREATMENT OF HYPERTRIGLYCERIDEMIA-INDUCED ACUTE PANCREATITIS AT CAN THO UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND PHARMACY HOSPITAL

Background: After alcohol and gallstones, hypertriglyceridemia is the third most common cause of acute pancreatitis (AP). Hypertriglyceridemia is triglyceridemia concentration >150mg/dl (1.7mmol/l). Severe hypertriglyceridemia >1000mg/dl (11.3 mmol/l) is considered the cause of AP. Objectives: To compare some clinical and subclinical features and results of treatment of AP with two levels of hypertriglyceridemia <11.3mmol/l and >I1.3mmol/l at the Department of General Internal Medicine in Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of 33 patients who were admitted to the hospital with hypertriglyceridemia-induced AP. Results: Clinical symptoms and some laboratory tests did not differ between the two groups. Statistically significant differences occurred in the 2 groups as blood CRP value with p=0.009, low sodium levels 134.22±4.73mmol/l and high BMI levels 26.63±5.15kg/m2 in the group with TG ≥ 11.3 mmol/l. The rate of amylase increased 3 times in the high-TG group was 85.2%. Both groups had elevated glucose and LDH levels respectively, with 10.56±5.13 mmol/l and 310.64±206.01U/L. Ultrasound diagnosis of acute pancreatitis reached 100%, CTSI and BISAP index were high in the group with TG ≥11.3mmol/l. The days of using insulin and staying in the hospital were significantly different, with p=0.004 and p=0.014. Conclusions: Comparing the 2 groups of acute pancreatitis with blood TG <11.3mmol/l and ≥11.3mmol/l, there was no difference in clinical symptoms. Mean values of sodium, BMI and blood CRP (p=0.009) were different between the two groups of acute pancreatitis. Treatment results in days of using insulin and staying in the hospital had statistically significant differences between the 2 groups.

VARIABILITY OF WATER AND SOIL CHARACTERISTICS WITHIN A PRODUCTION CYCLE IN AN ALTERNATIVE SHRIMP-PADDY CULTIVATION PLOT IN KHULNA, COASTAL BANGLADESH

A six months study was carried out in an alternative shrimp paddy cultivation plot situated in Khulna District, Bangladesh. In soil, the mean values of sodium (Na) 13.33 mg l-1, calcium (Ca) 42.12 mg l-1, potassium (K) 472.50 mg l-1, iron (Fe) 1.01 mg l-1, phosphorus (P) 7.05 mg l-1, sulfur (S) 46.67 mg l-1, ammonium-nitrogen (NH4+-N) 247.68 mg l-1, nitrate-nitrogen (NO3--N) 114.78 mg l-1, pH 8.09, Electric conductivity (EC) 4.45 ms m-1, redox potential (Eh) -63.65 mv and organic carbon (OC) 2.56% were observed. Whereas in water, the mean values were found as Na (1051.25 mg l-1), Ca (400.00 mg l-1), K (135.50 mg l-1), Fe (0.75 mg l-1), P (1.626 mg l-1), S (283.75 mg l-1), NH4+-N (43.05 mg l-1), NO3--N (17.64 mg l-1), pH (8.29), EC (35.30 ms m-1), Eh (-73.08 mv). Except Ca and S, P, Na, K, Fe, NH4+-N, NO3--N, EC and Eh were increased over the culture period of shrimp. The value of pH was decreased gradually in water and increased in soil. Insignificant monthly variation in most of parameters measured except water Fe, soil Ca and soil NO3--N indicate that present alternative shrimp-paddy cultivation practice has no significant impact on the plot.

Comparison of Sodium and Potassium Levels among COVID-19 Patients on Arterial Blood Gas Analysers and Clinical Chemistry Autoanalysers

Introduction: The electrolytes and Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) analysis are the crucial part of the evaluation in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Hyponatremia and hypokalemia are the electrolyte imbalance, commonly seen in COVID-19 and hence, patients require serial monitoring of electrolytes. Variations of sodium and potassium levels between arterial and venous blood are known, however as per existing literature, there are no previous studies on the comparison of electrolytes in COVID-19 patients, when analysed in arterial and venous blood, by different methods and its significance in clinical practice. Aim: To determine whether the sodium and potassium levels of COVID-19 patients are comparable when simultaneously analysed in arterial whole blood and venous serum sample, by ABG analyser and chemistry Autoanalyser (AA) respectively. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted among COVID-19 positive patients admitted in Medical Intensive Care Unit at a Tertiary Care Super-Specialty Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India, from February 2021 to June 2021. A total of 100 arterial and 100 venous blood samples of COVID-19 patients were analysed for sodium and potassium levels on Gem Premier 3000 Blood Gas Analyser and AutoQuant 400i chemistry AA. The statistical analysis was done by the Bland Altman method to assess the agreement between the method of measurement for sodium and potassium levels in arterial and venous samples. Shapiro-Wilk’s test was applied to check normal distribution and statistical variables in sodium and potassium values measured by two methods. Results: The mean values for sodium in arterial blood were 135.91±8.36 mmol/L and in serum was 140.26±8.49 mmol/L. The mean value of potassium in arterial blood was 4.12±0.76 mmol/L and in serum 4.41±0.67 mmol/L. Coefficients of variation for arterial and venous sample sodium level was 4.21 mmol/L and for potassium was 0.28, with bias (95% limits of agreement) of (4.96 to 3.46 mmol/L) and (0.35 to 0.21 mmol ⁄L), respectively. Conclusion: The present study found a significant difference in electrolyte levels when compared between arterial whole blood in ABG analyser and venous serum sample in chemistry autoanalyser in COVID-19 patients. So, the clinicians must be aware of these variations and the same has to be kept in mind, while interpreting the results in COVID-19.

An integrated assessment of lead exposure in children: Correlation with biochemical and haematological indices

BackgroundLead (Pb) is a worldwide concern due to its persistent property in the environment. However, due to diminutive evidence and elusiveness, the impact of lead exposure on the biochemical and haematological parameter in school-age children is not well established. AimThis study primarily aimed to investigate blood lead (BL) in children and its association with haematological and biochemical parameter. MethodsA total of 43 children (4–12 years) were recruited in each control and study group. Furthermore, the study group were subdivided into two groups (group A (<10 μg/dl) and group B (>10 μg/dl)). BL level, haematological parameter including haemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cells, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, total leukocytes count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, mean corpuscular volume, red cell distribution width, eosinophil’s, platelets in the whole blood and biochemical parameter such as liver function test (total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, total protein, albumin) and kidney function test (sodium, potassium, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine) in serum were measured using anodic stripping voltammeter (ASV), Cell-Dyn Ruby Haematology analyser, Beckman coulter Unicel Dxc 800 Synchron Clinical analyser respectively. ResultsThe arithmetical mean of BL level was 19.93 ± 9.22 μg/dl (median: 17.5 μg/dl; range 9.1–37.4 μg/dl). Only 21 % children had BL levels <10 μg/dl and there were 79 % children with BL levels >10 μg/dl. Blood mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, Neutrophils, Monocytes were significantly higher between the control and study group. Additionally, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cells, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, Lymphocytes and mean corpuscular volume intensities were significantly lower in >10 μg/dl group whereas total leukocytes count, neutrophils, monocytes, red cell distribution width, eosinophil’s, platelets levels were statistically higher (p < 0.001).Serum alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, total protein, were higher (p < 0.05) and sodium, albumin were significantly lower in the study group. The mean value of sodium, potassium, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, total protein and blood urea nitrogen, creatinine in two groups (<10 μg/dl and >10 μg/dl) was not significantly different. Serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase level was significantly higher (p = 0.015) while albumin levels were significantly lower (p = 0.034) in >10 μg/dl group. A statistically significant correlation of BL levels with all haematological parameters was also observed. Creatinine is positively and albumin was negatively correlated with BL levels. ConclusionThe outcomes specify that high BL levels were significantly associated with higher haematological and biochemical indices in exposed children. However, lead like noxious metals severely affected the haematological, kidney and liver health of children.

Evaluation of serum electrolyte levels in iron deficiency anemia patients.

Objectives: To evaluate electrolytes levels in patients suffering from iron deficiency anemia and to compare it with patients without anemia. Study Design: Descriptive Cross Sectional study. Setting: Department of Pathology, Sahiwal Medical College Sahiwal. Period: November, 2019 to May, 2020. Material &amp; Methods: After taking informed consent, five milliliter of blood was drawn from each patient. Blood sample was analyzed for electrolytes, complete blood counts and serum ferritin levels. Results were compared in normal and iron deficiency anemic groups. Results: A total of 287 clinically anemic suspects including 181 (63.0%) female and 106 (37.0%) male with mean age of patients as 36.11±12.23 were included in this study. A total of 205 (71.4%) of the suspects had anemia whereas frequency of anemia remained higher among females (78.5%) as compared to males (59.5%) in this study. On the basis of serum ferritin levels a total of 178 (62.0%) patients had iron deficiency. Mean values of Sodium (130.41±0.59) and Bicarbonate (24.10±0.31) remained low while mean Potassium (4.33±0.07) and Chloride (103.93±0.47) levels of Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) group remained high as compared to non-anemic group. Conclusion: Levels of sodium and bicarbonate are found to be on the lower side while potassium and chloride remained on higher side in patients with Iron deficiency Anemia in this study. Thus these findings indicate close monitoring of electrolytes to evade impediments during management of patients.

Prevalence of electrolyte disturbances in perinatal asphyxia: a prospective study

BackgroundBirth asphyxia is defined as the presence of hypoxia, hypercapnia, and acidosis leading the newborn to systemic disturbances probably electrolyte disturbance also. Knowledge of these electrolyte disturbances is very valuable as it can be an important parameter affecting perinatal morbidity, mortality and ongoing management.MethodsSerum sodium, potassium and ionized calcium of asphyxiated term newborn were sent within one hour of birth as per the inclusion criteria. Statistical comparison of mean values of different electrolytes between different groups of perinatal asphyxia was performed by ANOVA test for parametric data and significant data were further analyzed using post hoc test. Bivariate analysis was done to determine the correlations between Apgar score at 5 min and serum electrolytes. Pearson test was used to calculate the correlation coefficient. Box plot was used to show the median and quartile between serum electrolytes and Apgar score at 5 min.ResultThe mean values of sodium for mild, moderate and severe asphyxia were 135.52, 130.7 and 127.15 meq/l respectively. The values of potassium for mild, moderate and severe asphyxia were 4.96, 5.93 and 6.78 meq/l respectively. Similarly, the mean values of ionized calcium for mild, moderate and severe asphyxia were 1.07, 1.12 and 0.99 mmol/l respectively. The values of sodium and potassium among different severity of asphyxia were significantly different (p-value< 0.001). Significant positive correlation was found between serum sodium and Apgar score at 5 min. Significant negative correlation was present between serum potassium and Apgar score at 5 min.ConclusionThe degree of hyponatremia and hyperkalemia was directly proportional to the severity of birth asphyxia. So these electrolyte disturbances should always be kept in mind while managing cases of perinatal asphyxia and should be managed accordingly.

Green Tea as a Supportive Treatment for Respiratory Disorders in Calves

Abstract: 90 Friesian calves belonging to Alexandria governorates, Egypt, included in this study and classified into 3 groups, group A: Consist of 20 apparently clinically healthy calves kept as a control, group B: contains 35 calves shows respiratory manifestation, treated with traditional therapy, group C: includes 35 calves exhibit signs of respiratory affection, treated with the same traditional drugs in addition to green tea extract (GTE). Complete early rapid recovery observed in group C than traditionally treated calves. Significant changes in serum creatinine and activity of AST and ALT were observed in group B and C in comparison with healthy calves. There were a significant decreases in the mean values of total antioxidant capacity, catalase activity, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity in group B in comparing with control animals and group (C), while the same previously mentioned values showed a significant increase in group C in comparing with group A and B. On the other hand there is a significant increase and significant decrease in the activity of lipid peroxidase in group B and C, respectively when comparing with control group and with each other. The investigation revealed a significant decreases in the mean values of sodium and chloride with significant increase in potassium level in group B when compared with both control calves and group (C), while the same previously mentioned elements showed non-significant changes in group C when compared with the other two groups.

The influence of sampling method on electrolyte concentrations, pH and buffer capacity of saliva in healthy individuals

Abstract Introduction Saliva is a complex secretion, which plays an important role in maintenance of oral health. Analysis of saliva is fast, simple and non-invasive, and it is increasingly used as a biological sample for determination of various biochemical markers. The aim was to determine the influence of unstimulated saliva collection methods for measuring electrolytes concentration (sodium, potassium, calcium), pH and buffer capacity of saliva in healthy subjects. Material and methods 30 healthy subjects, males and females, aged 18 to 20 years, without oral and systemic diseases were included in the study. Unstimulated saliva samples were taken using a special tube (Salivette) and via direct spitting into the test tube. The concentrations of sodium and potassium were determined by flame emission photometry while spectrophotometry was used for calcium concentration. For the analysis of pH value of saliva pH-meter was used, while saliva buffer capacity was determined by titration with HCl (0.005 mol/L). Results The level of sodium in unstimulated saliva collected in test tubes was 8.43 ± 3.92 mmol/L and in special tubes 7.90 ± 4.33 mmol/L. Potassium level in unstimulated saliva collected in test tubes was 13.62 ± 0.99 mmol/L while in special tubes it was 13.54 ± 0.94 mmol/L. Mean values of sodium and potassium in unstimulated saliva didn’t show statistically significant difference in their concentrations between the two methods of collecting saliva. In contrast to these electrolytes, calcium concentration was higher in the samples of saliva collected with special tubes (2.04 ± 1.05 mmol/L) compared to the samples taken by direct spitting into the test tube (1.38 ± 1.18 mmol/L) with statistically significant difference (p &lt; 0.05). By analyzing the pH of unstimulated saliva it was found that the average pH value of saliva collected with special tubes was 7.05 ± 0.32, and after direct spitting into test tubes it was 7.35 ± 0.41. Buffer capacity of saliva in healthy subjects was lower after taking with special tubes (5.18 ± 0.74) compared to test tubes (5.36 ± 0.85), but without statistical difference. Conclusion Unstimulated saliva collecting methods using cotton pads (salivette) and direct spitting in the test tube did not affect the value of pH, buffer capacity, the concentrations of sodium and potassium, but affected the concentration of calcium in saliva from healthy subjects.

La hiponatremia como marcador de riesgo en pacientes sometidos a implante de desfibrilador en prevención primaria

Introduction and objectivesHyponatremia is a prognostic factor in patients with heart failure. Our objective was to assess the impact of hyponatremia in the evolution of patients undergoing cardioverter implantation in primary prevention. MethodThis is a multicenter retrospective observational study in which serum sodium periimplant and adverse events (all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, first admission for heart failure, first appropriate and inappropriate therapy) were assessed in a Spanish cohort receiving cardioverter in primary prevention. Patients with mild hyponatremia (Na≤135mEq/L) and those with moderate to severe hyponatremia (Na≤131mEq/L) were compared to those without hyponatremia. Results725 patients, with a mean value of sodium in blood peri-implant of 139±3.6mEq/L and a mean follow-up was 34.1±18.5months. In patients with Na≤135mEq/L (n=105), an increased incidence of first admission for heart failure was observed (Odds Ratio: 1.701; P=.031). In patients with moderate to severe hyponatremia (n=18), higher total mortality (Hazard Ratio: 3.552; P=.002) and increased cardiovascular mortality (Hazard Ratio: 4.24; P=.003) were observed. None of those values of hyponatremia were associated with increased incidence of appropriate or inappropriate therapies ConclusionsMild hyponatremia at the time of cardioverter implantation is related with a higher incidence of hospitalization for heart failure during follow-up, while moderate to severe hyponatremia increases the risk of death during follow-up

Analysis of Water Quality Using Chemical Parameters and Metal Status of Balu Rivers’ Water at Dhaka, Bangladesh

Balu River at Dhaka city has become polluted due to industrial effluents, untreated sewage and municipal waste. The chemical parameters and metal status of water of Balu River at surface water level and subsurface water level at ten different locations (twenty samples) were studied during winter and rainy seasons in 2008. In the winter season, the mean value of Sodium was 12.41±2.17; Magnesium was 3.73±0.38; Chloride was 144.07±17.49; Nitrate was 7.04±1.01; Bicarbonate was 294.57±50.47 and Sulphate was 25.55±3.85 at surface water level. The concentration of the chemical parameters of River water in rainy season is less than that of winter season except Sodium (22.51±3.71) and Calcium (22.66±1.80). In the winter season, the mean value of Copper was 0.16±0.04; Chromium was 1.02±0.24; Zinc was 0.38±0.08 and Iron was 0.16±0.02 at surface water level. In the rainy season, the mean value of Copper was 0.08±0.04; Zinc was 0.05±0.02; and Iron was 0.04±0.02. The concentration of the metals of river water in rainy season is less than that of winter season. A significant positive correlation was found between Sodium and Chloride while significant negative correlation was found between Sodium and Iron, Zinc and Copper. Results suggest that river water was found unsuitable for drinking, domestic and irrigation purposes in respect to Chromium and Bicarbonate contents.

SALIVARY ELECTROLYTE AS A BIOMARKER IN CARIES ACTIVE TYPE II DIABETES - A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract Background: Diabetes Mellitus and dental caries association has been determined successfully but the electrolyte imbalance responsible is still under investigation. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the salivary electrolyte concentration in non-diabetic and diabetic patients with active dental caries. Methods and Material: 60 diabetic individuals with active dental caries were selected fulfilling the inclusion criteria as the study group with equal number as controls. 5ml of saliva was collected from the patient, centrifuged and the supernatant obtained was subjected to subsequent analysis for Na+, K+ and Cl- ions concentration in saliva. Statistical analysis: The intergroup comparison correlating the salivary electrolyte concentration was done using student't' test. A 'p' value of 0.05 or less was considered significant. Results are presented as mean ± standard deviation (X ± SD). Results: The mean value of sodium, potassium and chloride ions in diabetic patients was 0.97+ 0.14, 10.40±0.9 and 135.4±3.67 respectively (p&lt;0.05). However, in non-diabetics it was 0.23±0.07, 6.87±1.86 and 96.24±4.85 respectively (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: From our study it is evident that salivary levels of electrolytes show a positive relationship between diabetics and nondiabetics with active dental caries. However, a longitudinal data might help in better understanding of this association.

Assessing the Suitability of Surface Water for Domestic Purposes in Uburu; Southeast of Nigeria

The quality of surface water used for domestic purposes in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government area, Ebonyi State, South-East of Nigeria were analyzed. The physicochemical analysis was carried out from water samples collected from river Ogwu, Akawo and Ihenu in December 2012 using standard method. The mean values were found to be 17.06 ± 0.08 NTU, 19.00 NTU and 21.00 NTU for turbidity, 149.20 ± 0.39, 156.65 ± 0.72 and 142.04 ± 0.76 mg/L, for chloride, while the mean values for sodium is 546.09 ± 0.68, 532.76 ± 0.48 and 581.14 ± 0.84 mg/L and 10.21 ±0.02, 10.34 ± 0.05 0 and 12.45 ± 0.33 mg/L is for potassium for the three rivers respectively All other value for electrical conductivity, temperature, pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, total hardness, total dissolved solids, total solids, dissolved oxygen, sulphate ions, nitrate ions, calcium ions, and magnesium ions were also within the permissible limits. The mean values obtained from physicochemical analysis were compared with WHO standards for drinking and domestic water.

Serum Anion Gap and Blood Pressure in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Increased production of organic acid can result in an elevated serum anion gap and may play a role in the development of hypertension. We studied the cross-sectional associations between anion gap and blood pressure and between serum bicarbonate and blood pressure in the 1999-2000 and 2001-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. We included 5043 adult participants who were not taking antihypertensive medications or diuretics and who denied hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other diseases. Linear regression was used to adjust for age, race, body mass index, creatinine, albumin, and other factors. Sample weights were used to produce weighted regression parameters. In the lowest quintile of anion gap, mean values of sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate were 139 mEq/L, 105 mEq/L, and 25 mEq/L, respectively. In the highest quintile, mean values of sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate were 140 mEq/L, 101 mEq/L, and 22 mEq/L, respectively. Mean blood pressure was 118/72 mm Hg. After multivariable adjustment, participants in the highest quintile of anion gap had systolic blood pressure 3.73 mm Hg higher (95% CI: 1.83 to 5.63 mm Hg; P for trend: <0.01) than participants in the lowest quintile. Participants in the highest quintile of bicarbonate had systolic blood pressure 2.73 mm Hg lower (95% CI: 1.26 to 4.20 mm Hg; P for trend: <0.01) than participants in the lowest quintile. No associations were observed between anion gap or bicarbonate and diastolic blood pressure. The results were unchanged after excluding participants with estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 cc/min per 1.73 m(2). The anion gap is independently associated with higher blood pressure. Further research is needed to elucidate the relation between organic acid and hypertension.

A Critical Appraisal of Blood Urea and Electrolytes in Severe Primary Protein Energy Malnutrition: A Guide to Prevent Management Pitfalls

Blood urea and electrolytes were determined in 30 severely malnourished children and 10 well nourished children who acted as controls. The mean ages of the subjects were 1.44 and 1.55 years for PEM and controls respectively. The mean values for sodium, potassium and urea of the malnourished children were 129.9+9.7, 2.3+0.8 and 4.9+2.3 mmol/L respectively. The corresponding figures for the controls were 136.8+1.8, 3.9+0.3 and 6.2+1.1. All the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Keywords: Malnutrition, Electrolytes, blood urea. Nigerian Medical Practitioner 46(2) 2004: 30-32

Saline acclimation and water and sodium transport across avian small intestine

The uptake of sodium and water across everted sacs of the jejunum and ileum of Pekin ducklings, nestling Glaucous-winged gulls, and adult Japanese quail was measured in both freshwater- and saltwater-acclimated birds to assess the importance of the avian small intestine in salt and water balance after a salt load. The jejunum and ileum together were divided into segments I-V in ducklings and gulls and segments I-IV in Japanese quail. Acclimation to sodium chloride solutions increased the uptake of sodium and water, per unit dry weight of tissue, across segments II and IV in larger ducklings, although no significant differences were observed in smaller ducklings. Sodium and water transport were significantly greater across the posterior region of the small intestine of saltwater-acclimated gulls. In Japanese quail acclimated to sodium chloride solutions, mean values for sodium and water uptake were decreased, compared with fresh-water-acclimated birds, but were not statistically significantly different. Increased uptake of water and sodium after saline acclimation appears to be correlated with the presence of functional salt glands.

A STUDY OF PLASMA VALUES OF SODIUM, POTASSIUM, CHLORIDE, CARBON DIOXIDE, CARBON DIOXIDE TENSION, SUGAR, UREA AND THE PROTEIN BASEBINDING POWER, pH AND HEMATOCRIT IN PREMATURES ON THE FIRST DAY OF LIFE

Seventy-three premature infants were studied on the first day of life before fluid therapy or feedings were begun. These were divided into 3 groups according to weight. A fourth group was included in this study as a "control." The following chemical constituents of the plasma were measured: sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2 content, total protein, urea and sugar. The blood pH and the hematocrit were also determined. The protein base-binding power was calculated. The observations were made on capillary blood obtained by heel puncture. Ultramicro-methods were used for the estimation of the various chemical constituents. The mean concentration of potassium is significantly higher in the lowest weight group; the protein and correspondingly the base-binding power of the protein is also significantly lower in this group. The mean values for sodium, chloride, CO2, pH, sugar and urea did not vary significantly with the birth weights of the infants. While the lowest pH values were encountered in the lowest weight group, the mean did not significantly differ from group to group. The mean concentration of urea was higher in the lowest weight group but did not significantly vary with the birth weight of the infants. The mean concentration of glucose in the plasma was lowest in the lowest weight group. The hematocrit values were uniformly above normal in all groups, but the mean did not vary from group to group.