Predictive Value of Weight Loss Percentage in Estimating the Risk of Hypernatremia and Dehydration in Neonates
Preethi Subramanian, Sudharshan Raj Chitgupikar, Sandhya Dasari
Abstract
Background and Aim: Weight loss (WL) in neonates during the first week of life occurs as a rule. However, the extent of acceptable physiologic WL is debatable. Excessive WL may result in hypernatremia and dehydration.
This study aims to estimate the prevalence of dehydration and the ability of weight loss percentage (WL%) to predict hypernatremia.
Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, 139 neonates were classified into 3 categories of WL% (ie, category 1: ≥ 7% to < 10%; category 2: ≥ 10% to < 15%; and category 3: ≥ 15%) and compared for demographic, clinical, and biochemical parameters.
Results: The study results showed that the prevalence of dehydration was 9.07%. WL of ≥ 9% had a sensitivity of 78.54% and a specificity of 50.76% in identifying hypernatremia. The neonates who belong to category 3 showed a strong correlation between WL% and serum sodium levels (Pearson’s r = 0.7134; adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 5.38). The neonates who belong to category 2 had an AOR of 3.262 for developing hypernatremia.
Conclusion: Neonates with WL% of ≥ 9% must be screened for hypernatremia.
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