J Korean Soc Neonatol.  2002 May;9(1):21-28.

Non-oliguric Hyperkalemia in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants

• Shim JW
• Ko SY
• Kim SS
• Kim MJ
• Chang YS
• Park WS

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and contributing factors of nonoliguric hyperkalemia in extremely low birth weight infants (ELBW) within 96 hours after birth in very low birth weight infants.
METHODS
The incidence of non-oliguric hyperkalemia and difference of clinical feature between hyperkalemic (>or=7.0 mEq/L) and normokalemic (<7.0 mEq/L) groups were determined by reviewing medical records of 35 extremely low birth weight infants admitted in Samsung Medical Center between Jan. 2001 to Dec. 2001. We analyzed the serum levels of sodium, potassium, fluid intake, urine output, blood gas analysis values, and other factors that influenced serum electrolytes.
RESULTS
Among 35 ELBW infants, 11 (31%) was hyperkalemia developed and 4 infants (36%) was associated with cardiac arrythmia. The incidence and onset time of hyperkalemia showed inverse correlation with birth weight and gestational age. Perinatal complications and serum levels of sodium, fluid intake, hourly urine output, and other blood gas analysis were no different in both groups. Dopamine administrations, UAC insertion rate, ICH incidence and base deficit were significantly increased in hyperkalemic group.
CONCLUSION
Non-oliguric hyperkalemia is a frequent complication of ELBW infant. Serum potassium should be monitored closely to avoid life threatening cardiac arrhythmia in these infants.

Keyword

Hyperkalemia; ELBW infant

MeSH Terms

Arrhythmias, Cardiac
Birth Weight
Blood Gas Analysis
Dopamine
Electrolytes
Gestational Age
Humans
Hyperkalemia*
Incidence
Infant*
Infant, Low Birth Weight*
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Very Low Birth Weight
Medical Records
Parturition
Potassium
Sodium
Dopamine
Electrolytes
Potassium
Sodium