title: Fluid and electrolyte disorders in the newborn: sodium and potassium.
abstract: Tubular development continues after birth in full and pre-term infants. As the survival of premature infants increases, serious imbalances in water and electrolytes in this group have become more prevalent. A diminished ability of the immature kidney to reabsorb water and respond to mineralocorticoids, a high excretion of filtered sodium, perinatal complications affecting tubular function, and the use of medications such as diuretics, indomethacin and amphotericin B, are common factors leading to sodium and potassium imbalances in this age group. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment should be guided by a careful assessment of volume status, urine electrolytes and osmolality.
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Suarez-Rivera
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Puerto Rico - Medical Sciences Campus, PO Box 365067, San Juan, PR 00936-5067, USA.
authors.forename: Melvin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bonilla-Felix
mesh_terms: D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D006947:Hyperkalemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D007010:Hyponatremia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007668:Kidney / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007684:Kidney Tubules / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D012964:Sodium; D011188:Potassium