Hyponatremia (Serum Sodium less than 130mEq/L) is a relatively common electrolyte disturbance among neonates admitted to NICU receiving routine 0.2 Saline solution as maintenance therapy. This condition is caused by one of the three general mechanisms: 1) an inability to excrete water load. 2) Excessive sodium loss. 3) Inadequate sodium intake. One common etiology in the neonatal period is the negative balance of sodium due to low sodium intake and excessive sodium loss because of the high fractional excretion of sodium. Several studies have shown that hyponatremia is associated with poor neurologic outcome later in life.
In order to prevent this complication, in this clinical trial, sixty neonates with gestational age of 38-42 weeks with the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis will be enrolled. Patients will be divided into two groups of intervention and control, 30 patients each, based on computerized randomization.
First group (case group) will receive IV fluid with 75 mEq/L of sodium (half-saline) as maintenance whereas second group (control group) will be treated with the routine 0.2 Saline (30 mEq/L of sodium). Serum Sodium, Potassium, Creatinine, BUN, Osmolality, Urine osmolality, urine volume will be measured before initiation of therapy and at defined intervals of 6, 12, 24, 48 hours. The prevalence of dysnatremia will then be compared in two groups. Exclusion criteria are congenital heart disease, renal disease, dehydration, dysnatremia, hyperbilirubinemia.