The improved survival rate of extremely low birth weight(ELBW)infants has resulted in new fluid and electrolyte problems that have not been encountered previously,in particular electrolyte imbalance. ELBW infants are especially vulnerable to hypernatremia(serum sodium value \>150 mEq/L). Hypernatremia may be due to rapid dehydration or excessive administration of intravenous fluids(IV)that contain sodium. The current treatment modality for hypernatremia is to increase IV fluids above daily requirements.Enteral sterile water feeds(ESWF)are theorized as an endogenous source of fluids that may decrease elevated electrolytes such as sodium and potassium in premature infants. By giving ESWF to decrease elevated electrolytes, there would be less need for large volumes of IVF that contribute to the co-morbidities of prematurity: bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD),intraventricular hemorrhage(IVH)and patent ductus arteriosus(PDA). The purpose of this proposed study is to determine whether enteral sterile water feedings is effective in decreasing the incidence, duration and severity of hypernatremia in ELBW infants.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
19
Control group- no intervention Prophylactic group will receive sterile water feeds starting at 24 hours of life if/or when their serum sodium value is ≥ 145 mEq/L. The volume of sterile water is 10mls/Kg/day based on birth weight, given via continuous infusion feed. The feeding will be stopped when the serum sodium value is ≤ 140 mEq/L. The hypernatremia group will receive sterile water feeds when their serum sodium value is ≥ 150 meq/L. The volume of sterile water is 10 mls/Kg/day based on birth weight,given via continuous infusion feed. The feeding will be stopped when the serum sodium value is ≤ 140 mEq/L.
University Hospitals Case Medical Center
Cleveland, Ohio, United States
serum sodium values
electrolytes will be measured every 12 hours from admission through the first seven days of life
Time frame: Every 12 hours for 7 days
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