Serum potassium levels tended to be higher in hypona-
tremic, asphyxiated newborns. This could be explained by a
lower pH in the asphyxiated babies, but cord pH is not
mentioned. Was cord blood not examined for pH at birth?
Calcium levels were also lower in the asphyxiated,
hyponatremic newborn. Dilutional hyponatremia also
causes lower albumin levels, and as a result, lowering in
calcium levels. Only analysis of ionised calcium would
show the true calcium levels.