Nilesh V. Ahire ¹, Suhas V. Patil ¹, Nirav D. Patel ², Ravindra Sonawane ², Deepa Joshi ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Vasantrao Pawar Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Nashik - 422003, Maharashtra, IN
2 Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Vasantrao Pawar Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Nashik - 422003, Maharashtra, IN

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Acute renal failure is a frequent clinical condition in neonatal intensive care units. The leading cause of neonatal acute renal failure is perinatal asphyxia. Early recognition of acute renal failure is particularly important in asphyxiated neonates, in whom a stable biochemical milieu is vital, because it facilitates the administration of appropriate fluid and electrolyte replacement. This study was done to determine the incidence of renal failure and its correlation with severity of asphyxia. Methods: 45 term neonates born with Apgar score of < 7 at 5 minutes after the birth are selected as cases and 45 term normal neonates as controls. All asphyxiated neonates (as per World Health Organization definition) with clinical features of Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy are staged by Sarnat and Sarnat staging. The relevant blood and urine investigations done at 24, 48 and 72 hours of life and urine output was monitored. The babies were managed according to standard protocol. The renal indices were calculated after 48 and 72 hours. Results: The incidence of renal failure was significantly higher among cases (66.67%, 30 of 45 cases). All cases had non oliguric (100%) renal failure -11 (24.44%) cases had intrinsic renal failure. The renal parameters were higher among cases and correlated with the severity of asphyxia. Hyponatremia was seen in cases and its severity correlated with asphyxia severity. The serum calcium level was lower among cases and severity of hypocalcaemia correlated with severity of asphyxia. Fractional excretion of sodium (FeNa) was higher among cases and 11 cases had value more than 3. Renal failure Index was higher among cases and 12 cases had value more than 4. Interpretation and Conclusions: Perinatal asphyxia is an important cause of renal failure in the neonatal period. Acute renal failure in birth asphyxia is predominantly Pre renal failure and depends on the severity of asphyxia. Renal failure in birth asphyxia is predominantly non-oliguric, monitoring of urine output for renal failure alone does not help to identify renal failure. The renal parameters should be monitored and if possible the renal indices should be calculated to identify pre-renal and intrinsic renal failure.

Keywords

Acute Renal Failure, Birth Asphyxia, Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy, Neonate.

Full Text

   

Suhas V. Patil ¹, Nilesh V. Ahire ¹, Karthik Reddy ², Tripti Karne ¹, Deepa Joshi ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Paediatrics, Dr. Vasantrao Pawar Medical College Hospital & RC, Nashik - 422003, IN
2 Department of Paediatrics, Dr. Vasantrao Pawar Medical College Hospital & RC, Nashik - 422003, IN

Abstract

Background: Neonatal seizures are clinically significant because very few are idiopathic. Further investigation leading to prompt diagnosis of the underlying condition is important because many of the etiologies have specific treatment. Time of onset of seizures has correlation with etiology. Objectives: The objective of the present study is to know the etiology of neonatal seizures, to know the time of onset of neonatal seizures and its relation to etiology and to know the various types of seizures in neonates. Methodology: The present study included 127 neonates presenting with Neonatal seizures admitted to NICU (Neonatal Intensive care Unit) of tertiary care hospital from August 2014 to December 2016. Detailed antenatal, natal and post natal history were taken and examination of baby done and HIE staged according to Modified Sarnat’s staging. Then relevant investigations were done and etiology of neonatal seizures was diagnosed. Results: In the present prospective study, out of 127 neonates studied, 118 were full-term, among these 88 (69.3%) were AGA (Average for gestational age) and 30 (23.6%) were SGA (Small for gestational age). 7 babies (5.5%) were preterm. Male: Female ratio in our study was 1.6:1. In our study onset of seizures within first 3 days of life was seen in 101 neonates (79.5%). After 3 days of life, 26 neonates developed seizures (20.5%). Onset of seizures within first 3 days of life of had statistically significant correlation with birth asphyxia as the etiology with p<0.001. Subtle seizures were the commonest type of seizures in our study (49 cases – 38.6%), followed by GTS (Generalized tonic seizures - 42 cases – 33.1%), multifocal clonic (19 cases – 15%) and focal clonic seizures (8 cases - 6.3%). Birth asphyxia was the commonest cause of neonatal seizures in our study (84 cases – 66.1%) followed by hypoglycemia (22 cases – 17.3%) and meningitis (11 cases 8.7%). Out of 84 cases of birth asphyxia 66 (78.6%) mothers had prolonged second stage of labour and 28 (33.3%) had MSAF (Meconium Stained Amniotic Fluid). Hypoglycemic seizures were more common in LBW (Low Birth Weight) babies with statistically significant p<0.001. Conclusion: The recognition of etiology of neonatal seizures is often helpful with respect to prognosis and treatment. The most common etiology for neonatal seizure is HIE (Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy) and is frequently associated with perinatal risk factors. Onset of seizures during first 3 days of life has significant correlation with HIE as etiology. Hypoglycemic seizures are more common in LBW babies. Subtle seizures are commonest type of clinical seizures, which is difficult to identify, therefore careful observation of at risk newborns is necessary.

Keywords

Birth Asphyxia, Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy, Neonatal Convulsions, Neonatal Seizures.

Full Text