Growth Of Stable Phase Research Articles

Fluid and Electrolyte Homeostasis in Newborn Baby

Assessment of fluid and electrolyte properly in neonate is very important but difficult. Fluid and electrolyte homeostasis during this period depends on some factors notably gestational age of baby, its postnatal age, pathological conditions and environmental situation. In fetus, water and electrolytes is constantly supplied from mother, which is cut-off by delivery of the baby. Extracellular fluid volume that is greater than intracellular fluid volume in fetus precipitously decreases after birth. Adaptation of fluid and electrolyte after birth is due to discontinuation of placental exchange, onset of insensible water loss, thermoregulation, autonomic renal regulation and intake of fluid and other nutrients. The adaptation course is divided into transition phase, intermediate phase and stable growth phase. Fluid and electrolyte therapy in neonate should be very judicious, because administration of minimum fluid and electrolyte may bring a maximum proportionate change of such environment. Fluid requirement in neonate after birth increases gradually by first few days. Preterm baby require more fluid than term baby during the first week of life due to high insensible water loss in the former. Electrolytes with intravenous fluid should be offered after ensuring initial diuresis, a decrease in sodium or at least 5-6% weight loss in neonates. Key words: Fluid, electrolyte, homeostasis, newborn baby. DOI: 10.3329/jbcps.v26i1.4232 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2008; 26: 39-45