Assessment of Renal Function in Term Neonates with Perinatal Asphyxia

Background: Perinatal asphyxia is a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and is associated with multiorgan dysfunction, including renal impairment. Renal injury is commonly observed in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and may worsen with increasing severity of hypoxia.

Aim: To evaluate renal function among term neonates with perinatal asphyxia and to assess its correlation with the severity of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted on 120 term neonates, including 60 asphyxiated cases and 60 controls. Renal function was assessed using biochemical parameters such as serum creatinine, blood urea, urine output, urine sodium, fractional excretion of sodium, and renal failure index. The severity of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy was graded, and correlation with renal parameters was analyzed.

Results: Asphyxiated neonates showed significantly reduced creatinine clearance and urine output along with increased urine sodium, FeNa, and RFI compared to controls (p<0.001). Renal dysfunction worsened with increasing severity of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, with significant differences observed across stages (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Renal dysfunction is a common and significant complication of perinatal asphyxia and shows a strong correlation with the severity of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Early identification and monitoring of renal parameters are essential for improving neonatal outcomes.