Correlation of Apgar score with serum glucose, calcium and electrolytes on the asphyxiated neonates

Background:Neonatal asphyxia is characterized by discrepancy of oxygen during perinatal period that can lead to severe hypoxic ischaemic organ damages followed by a fatal outcome including neurodegenerative diseases, mental retardation, and epilepsies. According to world health organization, four million neonatal deaths occurred each year due to birth asphyxia. Therefore, our study was designed to evaluate the status of serum glucose, calcium, electrolytes, and their correlation with the fetal risk factors associated with birth asphyxia. Methods:Neonates diagnosed with birth asphyxia were considered as “cases” while neonates birth either normal or by cesareanwith having no abnormality were considered as “control”. Demographics and possible risk factors of both the mother and neonate were noted. All asphyxiated neonates and controls were chosen to examine for serum glucose, calcium and electrolytes.Automated analyzers were used to estimate serum glucose, calcium, sodium and potassium.Results:We found thatthe mean serum glucose level was significantly lower in the asphyxiated neonates compared with controls, and consequently showed very strong positive correlation with the Apgar score. Furthermore, significant reduction levels were observed in serum calcium and sodium in the asphyxiated neonates, showing a linear correlation with the Apgar score. Moreover, higher serum potassium was detected in the asphyxiated neonates than in controls, showing a negative correlation with the Apgar score.Conclusions:We validated that the examined biochemicals of asphyxiated neonates was strongly correlated with the Apgar score. Our study reinforces for adequate clinicalevaluation and biochemical monitoring for early diagnosis to prevent adverse neurodevelopmental outcome

In vitro Antioxidant Potential of Momordica charantia Fruit Extracts.

This research investigated the antioxidant potential of Momordica charantia fruit extracts in ethanol and ethyl acetate. The extracts have been assessed for DPPH free radical scavenging effect, FeCl3 reducing power and superoxide scavenging effect. In DPPH method IC50 value of ascorbic acid, ethanol and ethyl acetate extract were found 2.19 μg/ml, 111.87 μg/ml and 157.03 μg/ml respectively. In power reducing method, IC50 value of ascorbic acid ethanol and ethyl acetate extract were found 50 μg/ml, 931.63 μg/ml and 754.86 μg/ml respectively. In super oxide scavenging method, IC50 value of curcumin , ethyl acetate and ethanol extract were found 29.51 μg/ml, 331.26 μg/ml and 489.77 μg/ml respectively. The results of all three in vitro antioxidant assays exhibited that M. charantia possess relatively moderate antioxidant property than standards. The data obtained in the in vitro models clearly establish the antioxidant potency of the fruits extracts.