Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Continuous Video Electroencephalogram during Hypoxia-Ischemia in Neonatal Mice
Published on: June 11, 2020
Low adjusted serum ionized calcium concentration shortly after birth predicts poor outcome in neonatal
Satoshi Yoneda1, Satoshi Ibara, Kosuke Kobayashi
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Toyama, Japan.
Insights
Serum ionized calcium levels in newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) can predict outcomes. Lower calcium concentrations indicate a higher risk of poor neurological outcomes or death.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Biochemistry
- Neurology
Background:
- Hypoxic-ischemic reperfusion injury can lead to necrosis or apoptosis.
- Ionized calcium influx is a primary driver of cell death in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if serum ionized calcium concentration in neonates with HIE can predict patient outcomes.
- Investigate the correlation between serum ionized calcium levels and neurological deficits or mortality in HIE neonates.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 20 HIE neonates and 12 healthy controls shortly after birth.
- Serum ionized calcium concentrations were measured and adjusted for pH.
- Outcomes were compared between HIE neonates with full recovery versus those with poor outcomes (death or neurological deficits).
Main Results:
- Neonates with HIE had significantly lower serum ionized calcium concentrations (1.05 +/- 0.10 mmol/L) compared to controls (1.22 +/- 0.07 mmol/L).
- HIE neonates with poor outcomes exhibited lower serum ionized calcium levels (0.99 +/- 0.07 mmol/L) than those who recovered fully (1.13 +/- 0.06 mmol/L).
Conclusions:
- Serum ionized calcium concentrations measured shortly after birth are significantly lower in HIE neonates who experience poor outcomes.
- Low serum ionized calcium may indicate widespread organ damage, particularly in the brain, associated with HIE.
Aim:
Hypoxic-ischemic reperfusion injury causes either necrosis or apoptosis, and the influx of ionized calcium into cells is the major cause of both types of cell death. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not the serum ionized calcium concentration in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) could be used to predict their outcome.
Methods:
Serum samples were obtained shortly after birth from 20 HIE neonates who had not urinated or received treatment with calcium. Serum ionized calcium concentrations were adjusted for pH using a correction formula. Twelve neonates without any disease were selected as a control. The results were compared between nine HIE neonates who made a full recovery, 11 who died or had neurologic deficits, and 12 normal neonates.
Results:
Considered together, the two HIE groups had lower serum ionized calcium concentrations (1.05 +/- 0.10 mmol/L) than the control group (1.22 +/- 0.07 mmol/L; P < 0.0001). Moreover, serum ionized calcium concentrations in the group with the poor outcome (0.99 +/- 0.07 mmol/L) were lower than those in the group that made a full recovery (1.13 +/- 0.06 mmol/L; P=0.0016).
Conclusions:
The serum ionized calcium concentrations shortly after birth were significantly lower in neonates with HIE who had a poor outcome. Low concentrations may reflect multiple organ damage, particularly involving the brain.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
01:19Ionic Strength: Effects on Chemical Equilibria
In this solution, the primary cation—the calcium...
01:27Feedback Regulation of Calcium Concentration
Various transmembrane receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), elicit a response to extracellular signals by increasing cytosolic calcium. Activated GPCRs...
04:01Factors Affecting Solubility
03:24Common Ion Effect