ATRIAL-NATRIURETIC-FACTOR IN NEONATAL HYPOXIC-ISCHEMIC ENCEPHALOPATHY

The influence of perinatal asphyxia in the secretion of atrial natriur etic factor (ANF) during the first 6 days of life, and its renal conse quences are discussed. Comparison between 20 healthy term neonates and 19 with first - or second - degree hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (H IE) is made. Daily controls were performed on clinical and neurologica l examinations and administration of sodium and fluids. On the first a nd sixth days of life, 24 hours urine collection, natremia, natriuresi s, fractionated excretion of sodium and creatinine clearance were dete rmined. The ANF was performed at 1, 2, 3 and 6 days old, by R.I.A. The full term newborns with HIE showed a peak in ANF values on day two, a s does the control group, thereafter maintaining higher levels, with a significant difference on day three and six. No correlation could be found between the ANF levels and the renal variables analyzed.