The authors conclude that babies with perinatal asphyxia
develop hyponatremia and hypocalcemia soon after birth in
proportion to the severity of asphyxia. However, as blood
samples were collected immediately after birth, we can
assume that the electrolyte status of the newborn also
represents intrauterine electrolyte status shortly before birth.
The low serum sodium values observed in asphyxiated
babies could imply that hyponatremia contributes to the
development of asphyxia, and therefore, factors contribut-
ing to the development of fetal hyponatremia should be
examined.