Early hyperkalaemia in very low birthweight infants in the absence of oliguria

We reviewed 1552 admissions to a neonatal intensive care programme; seven, all with a birth weight less than 1500 g, developed early onset, non-oliguric hyperkalaemia (potassium concentration greater than 7.0 mmol/l). Although their perinatal variables were similar to those of a normokalaemic group, hyperkalaemic infants had a higher incidence of intraventricular haemorrhage and developed increased concentrations of plasma creatinine by 7 days of age.