Beware of Sodium Bicarbonate Infusions in Premature Infants

Sodium bicarbonate infusions did not improve pH status and were associated with greater morbidity and mortality in very low birth weight infants.

Use of intravenous infusion of hypertonic sodium bicarbonate to treat acidosis in sick neonates has been associated with increased risk for intraventricular hemorrhage. To examine outcomes of this therapy in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, investigators retrospectively reviewed the clinical course and short-term (7 days) outcomes of 775 infants with birth weights ≤1500 g who were admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit in Missouri from 2002 through 2006; 165 infants received sodium bicarbonate during the first 7 days of life.

Compared with infants who did not receive sodium bicarbonate, those who did had significantly lower mean gestational age and birth weight, more-severe disease and respiratory symptoms, and higher mean serum sod…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)