A Case – Control Study of Metabolic Changes in Newborns

Abstract

Background: In neonates with birth asphyxia, serum calcium level may fall after birth due to cessation of placental transfer. The calcium plays multiple roles in body being the secondary messenger. Muscle movements are dependent on calcium. Methods: The serum calcium was analyzed usingo-cresolphthalein method in autoanalyzer Siemens Dimension series. The serum electrolytes was assessed using ion selective electrode (ISE) method in autoanalyzer. Results: In this study, 58 cases and 38 control were included. Among the 38 control 14 were female and 24 were male and from the 58 cases 18 were female and 40 were male. Serum calcium, potassium & sodium level calculated by mean and standard deviation. Conclusion: Development of hypocalcaemia in birth asphyxia may require medical attention. Early diagnosis and proper treatment of metabolic changes commonly occurring in neonates with birth asphyxia may improve their life specially neurodevelopmental aspect and also decrease the mortality rate.