Electrolyte Abnormalities in Neonates with Septicaemia: A Hospital-Based Study

Introduction: Despite the continuing struggle, Bangladesh's under-five mortality rate is still high. However, Bangladesh has achieved a significant reduction in childhood mortality from 173 per thousand. The high level of neonatal deaths in Bangladesh is a great concern among all health professionals. Objective: To determine the frequency and pattern of electrolytes imbalance in neonates with septicaemia and their impact on mortality and morbidity. Methods: All neonates suffering from septicaemia and admitted to BSMMU from 1st January 2011 to 15th September 2011 and fulfilled the inclusion criteria were evaluated. Results: During the study period total of 120 neonates were admitted with the diagnosis of septicaemia in the Department of Neonatology, BSMMU, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Among the neonates, mean age was 9.26±4.58 days, mean weight 2282.68±580.40 gm, mean gestational age 35.68±2.40 weeks, males were 66 (55%), and females were 54 (45%). Electrolyte abnormalities were found in 42 (35%) neonates with septicaemia. Among the electrolyte abnormalities, hyponatremia was found in 24 (20%) neonates, hypernatremia in 12 (10%), hypokalemia in 17 (14.2%), hyperkalemia in 19 (15.8%), and mixed abnormalities in 18 (15%) cases. Neonates with dyselectrolytemia were found significantly associated with prolonged hospital stay compared to those with normal electrolyte levels (p< 0.05). Hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and mixed electrolyte abnormalities were significantly associated with higher mortality (p<0.05). But hypernatremia and hyperkalemia were not significantly associated with higher mortality (p> 0.05). Conclusion: Electrolyte abnormalities are common in neonates with septicaemia. They contribute considerably to the higher mortality and prolonged hospital stay of neonates irrespective of the primary disease.