Background: Perinatal asphyxia is the worldwide most common cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. It accounts for about 25% of allneonatal deaths. Electrolyte disturbances are the most common problem of asphyxiated neonates. This study measures the serum sodium,potassium, and calcium levels in asphyxiated neonates. Objective: The objective is to study serum calcium, serum potassium, and serum sodiumlevels in asphyxiated newborns of different severity in the early neonatal period and compare with controls. Materials and Methods: Theserum potassium, sodium, and calcium levels of asphyxiated neonates were measured in postnatal period. Neonates were included accordingto the Apgar score and clinical examination. The measured electrolyte values were compared with the normal neonates. Results: From 50asphyxiated neonates, 17 had hyponatremia, 6 had hyperkalemia, and 4 had hypocalcemia. The serum sodium and potassium levels showedstatistically significant (P < 0.00) with the different degree of asphyxia, but calcium levels were not statistically significant (P = 0.06). Therewas a negative linear correlation with sodium and calcium levels but with the serum potassium levels was positive. Conclusions: Hyponatremiawas significant in all stages of birth asphyxia, hyperkalemia was significant with increased severity of birth asphyxia, and hypocalcemia wasnot significant.

Birth asphyxia --- hyperkalemia --- hypocalcemia --- hyponatremia --- hypoxic‑ischemic encephalopathy --- serum electrolyte