ABSTRACT
Perinatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy [HIE] is a significant cause of neonatal mortality and neurodevelopment impairments. Previous works have attempted to find a sensitive parameter that will accurately predict outcome in infants with perinatal asphyxia. The aim of this study was to whether or not the serum total magnesium [Mg],ionized Ca [iCa], and other electrolytes concentrations in neonate with[HIE] in umbilical cord blood and 48 hours serum samples could be used to predict their outcome. Hospital-based prospective study of admission to newborn intensive care unit between 2001-2004.A total of 60 term neonates fulfilling the criteria for HIE were included in the study. HIE was classified according to the criteria of Sarnat and Sarnat, mild moderate and sever. Twenty full term healthy newborns were chosen as control. Umbilical cord blood on delivery and after 48 hours was collected for the measurement of total Mg, iCa, and Na. Infants was followed by a pediatrician and neurological examination Was done at the age of 6 and 12 month. In the group of normal infants there was a significant increase in serum total Mg and Na concentrations and decrease in iCa concentration by the second day of life compared with umbilical cord blood values. Infant with mild HIE had significantly higher umbilical cord blood total Mg concentrations compared with moderate and severe HIE groups. Infant with severe HIE had significantly lower mean umbilical cord blood total Mg concentration compared with other groups. On the second day of life infants with severe HIE had significantly higher serum concentration of total Mg and lower concentrations of iCa and Na compared with other groups. The serum cord and 48 hour ionized calcium concentrations were significantly lower in HIE group who had a poor outcome. cord serum and 48 hours level of ionized calcium and 48hr Na were predicting variable for poor outcome in HIE group