DefinePK

Abstract

Birth asphyxia is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in neonates in developing nations. Objective: To determine the frequency of hypocalcaemia as well as hypomagnesaemia amongst neonates having birth asphyxia. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed at the department of Pediatrics, Ziauddin Campus, north nazimabad, Karachi from July 2021 to December 2021. A total of 207 asphyxiated term neonates with postnatal age up to 48 hours, and history of birth asphyxia were analyzed. Venous blood sample of 5 ml was drawn by a trained phlebotomist and sent to institutional laboratory for serum analysis of calcium and magnesium levels within first 24 hours of admission. Frequency of hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesaemia were recorded. Chi square or fisher’s exact test were applied taking p≤0.05 as significant to judge inferential statistics. Results: In a total of 207 neonates, 112 (54.1%) were male. The mean post-natal age, and gestational age were 16.6±8.4 hours, and 37.7 ± 0.9 weeks, respectively. The mode of delivery was cesarean section in 121 (58.5%) cases. The frequency of hypomagnesaemia, and hypocalcaemia were documented in 36 (17.4%), and 46 (22.2%) neonates with birth asphyxia, respectively. Conclusions: Among term neonates with birth asphyxia, considerable frequency of hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia was observed. These findings highlight the frequent occurrence of electrolyte imbalances in asphyxiated neonates, supporting the need for routine early biochemical screening.