Calcium concentration in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy during hypothermia

Pediatr Int. 2015;57(1):64-7. doi: 10.1111/ped.12438. Epub 2015 Jan 14.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between prognosis and the changes in serum-ionized calcium concentration in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) before and during brain hypothermia (BHT).

Methods: Serum samples were obtained from 16 HIE neonates who underwent BHT. All patients underwent developmental testing at 18 months of age.

Results: Mean serum-ionized calcium concentration in the poor outcome group (developmental quotient [DQ], <80; nine infants) was significantly lower than in the good outcome group (DQ >80; seven infants), both immediately before and after 6 h of BHT. Mean serum-ionized calcium concentration significantly decreased in both groups for 6 h, and the lowest adjusted serum-ionized calcium during 6 h of BHT was <1.05 mmol/L, known as the cut-off value for poor outcome, in 57.1% of the good outcome group.

Conclusion: The influx of calcium into cells continues regardless of neurological prognosis during the early phase of BHT, but BHT might protect some high-risk patients against neurological damage at low adjusted serum-ionized calcium concentration.

Keywords: asphyxia; calcium; hypothermia; hypoxia-ischemia; newborn.

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Calcium / blood*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hypothermia, Induced / adverse effects*
  • Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain / blood*
  • Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain / etiology
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Calcium