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Establishing reference intervals for electrolytes in newborns and infants using direct ISE analyzer
Insights
New reference intervals (RIs) for electrolytes in Ethiopian newborns and infants were established. These RIs aid in detecting and managing electrolyte imbalances in pediatric populations, considering combined values for sodium, potassium, and chloride.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Pediatric Medicine
- Biostatistics
Background:
- Establishing clinically applicable reference intervals (RIs) for electrolytes in Ethiopian newborns and infants is crucial for early detection and management of electrolyte abnormalities.
- Electrolyte imbalances can significantly impact neonatal and infant health, necessitating accurate reference ranges for proper medical care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate clinically applicable reference intervals (RIs) for commonly requested electrolytes in Ethiopian newborns and infants.
- To aid in the early detection, close monitoring, and correction of electrolyte abnormalities in this specific pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Cord blood (n=60) and venous blood samples (n=57) were collected from newborns and infants, respectively.
- Electrolyte levels were analyzed using a direct ISE analyzer (AVL 9181).
- MedCalc® software was used to determine robust upper and lower endpoints for 95% reference values with 90% confidence intervals.
Main Results:
- Combined reference intervals (RIs) were suggested for sodium (Na+) (126-143 mmol/l) and potassium (K+) (4.0-7.9 mmol/l), despite observed differences between newborns and infants.
- A combined RI for chloride (Cl-) was determined to be 100-111 mmol/l, as no significant difference was found between age groups.
- Maternal, neonatal, and infantile factors did not significantly affect electrolyte values.
Conclusions:
- Combined RIs are recommended for interpreting electrolyte values in Ethiopian newborns and infants, irrespective of maternal, neonatal, and infantile factors.
- The established RIs differ from previously reported values and are proposed for use in the Ethiopian pediatric population.
- These new RIs will facilitate more accurate diagnosis and management of electrolyte disturbances in local infants and newborns.
Background:
To generate clinically applicable reference intervals (RIs) for commonly requested electrolytes in Ethiopian newborns and infants that can help in early detection, close monitoring and correction of electrolyte abnormalities. Cord blood (from newborns, n = 60) and venous blood samples (from infants, n = 57) were collected and analyzed using direct ISE analyzer, AVL (9181). MedCalc® software was applied to determine the robust upper and lower end points covering 95% of the reference values of each electrolyte with respective 90% CIs.
Findings:
This is an extension report of our recent study; and hence is resulted from the same data source. The level of Na+ and K+ showed difference in newborns and infants even though combined RIs were suggested by the Haris and Boyd rule as 126-143 mmol/l and 4.0-7.9 mmol/l respectively. However, Cl- values failed to show such a difference and thus a combined RI was determined to be 100-111 mmol/l. Almost all maternal, neonatal and infantile factors were not able to affect the values of the electrolytes.
Conclusion:
Combined RIs are suggested for the interpretation of electrolyte values in newborns and infants without taking the effect of maternal, neonatal and infantile factors into account. Since the RIs were different from previously reported values, it will be appropriate to apply such RIs for the interpretation of electrolyte values in Ethiopian pediatric population.
