Early Sodium Intake in Preterm Newborns

Early Sodium Intake in Preterm Newborns; Randomized Clinical Trial

Hyponatremia is a common complication among preterm infants, renal losses of sodium contribute to the development of hyponatremia in preterm newborns. Sodium imbalances impact in newborns outcome. There is controversy about the time of initiation and the requirements of sodium in premature infants. Hypothesis: early (24 hours of life) sodium supplementation (5mEq/kg/day) prevents the develop of hyponatremia in preterm infants.

This study is a randomized controlled trial in infants less than 35 weeks gestation admitted to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at Children Hospital in Saltillo Coahuila Mexico.

Infants receive at 24 hours of life; sodium (5mEq/kg/day) versus less than 1mEq/kg/day. Weight, serum and urine sodium, serum chloride, serum and urine creatinine, serum chloride, bicarbonate and glucose are monitored daily during the first 3 days of life. Patients are assessed for hyponatremia, hypernatremia, weight change, sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis and intraventricular hemorrhage.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Preterm infants <35 Weeks gestation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Urinary malformations
• Congenital abdominal wall defect
• Intestinal atresia / obstruction
• Congenital heart defect