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[Correlation between the use of sodium bicarbonate and intraventricular hemorrhage in preterms]
María José García-Pasquel1, José Iglesias-Leboreiro, Isabel Bernardez-Zapata
1Servicio de Neonatología, División de Pediatría, Hospital Español de México, Distrito Federal, México. dragarciapasquel@gmail.com.
Insights
Sodium bicarbonate infusion in preterm infants did not increase the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). However, further large-scale studies are needed to confirm if benefits outweigh potential risks in vulnerable newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Critical Care
- Perinatal Research
Background:
- Preterm birth is associated with comorbidities, including intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH).
- Previous research suggests a potential link between sodium bicarbonate use and IVH in neonates.
- Understanding this association is crucial for optimizing neonatal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether sodium bicarbonate infusion during the first 24 hours of life increases the risk of IVH in preterm infants.
- To analyze the incidence of IVH in relation to sodium bicarbonate administration in a cohort of preterm neonates.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study analyzing data from 160 preterm infants.
- Patients were divided into two groups: those who received sodium bicarbonate and those who did not.
- The sodium bicarbonate group was further categorized based on prophylactic or therapeutic use.
Main Results:
- The overall incidence of IVH was 10% in the studied preterm infants (mean weight 1500g, 31 weeks gestational age).
- IVH incidence was similar between infants who received sodium bicarbonate and those who did not.
- Infants receiving sodium bicarbonate were more premature, clinically unstable, and in worse condition.
Conclusions:
- The study did not find an increased risk of IVH associated with sodium bicarbonate use in preterm infants.
- Current data suggest the need for larger-scale studies to definitively assess the risk-benefit profile of sodium bicarbonate in this population.
- Further research is warranted to determine if the clinical advantages of sodium bicarbonate justify its potential risks, including IVH.
Background:
Being born preterm implies comorbidities, among them the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). The use of sodium bicarbonate has been linked to the presence of IVH. The main purpose of this study was to determine if the infusion of sodium bicarbonate during the first 24 hours increases the risk of IVH in preterm infants.
Methods:
Our study is a cohort; we analyzed the files of 160 patients and divided them into two groups: one in which sodium bicarbonate was not used and another in which it was; this latter group was subdivided into two considering if the use was therapeutic of prophylactic.
Results:
In our total group of patients 10 % presented IVH; had a mean weight of 1500 g and 31 weeks of gestational age. The incidence of IVH was identical between both groups, although patients in which bicarbonate was used were more premature, unstable, and in worse clinical conditions.
Conclusions:
Our data indicate the need of large scale studies to determine if the clinical benefits of the use of sodium bicarbonate outweigh the risk of IVH.
