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Do Calcium and Potassium Levels Influence Ductal Patency in Preterm Infants?

Ufuk Cakir1, Cuneyt Tayman1, Mehmet Buyuktiryaki1

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Health Sciences University, Zekai Tahir Burak Maternity, Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.

American Journal of Perinatology
|June 6, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Serum potassium and ionized calcium levels may influence the persistence of the ductus arteriosus in preterm infants. Lower ionized calcium and higher potassium were associated with a persistent ductus arteriosus.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal physiology
  • Cardiovascular research
  • Pediatric critical care

Background:

  • Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is common in preterm infants.
  • Electrolyte imbalances may affect ductal patency.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between serum potassium (K+) and ionized calcium (iCa2+) levels and the persistence of the ductus arteriosus in very preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of infants with birth weight < 1,500g and gestational age < 32 weeks.
  • Measured serum K+ and iCa2+ at 1st and 48th hours of life.
  • Compared electrolyte levels and their changes (ΔK+, ΔCa2+) between infants with and without hemodynamically significant PDA (hsPDA).

Main Results:

  • Higher serum K+ and lower serum iCa2+ levels at both time points were observed in infants with hsPDA.
  • A higher ionized calcium change (ΔCa2+) was found in the hsPDA group.
  • These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Serum potassium and ionized calcium levels may play a role in ductal constriction.
  • Electrolyte balance is a potential factor in the management of PDA in preterm neonates.
Abstract

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