Renal injury and hypocalcaemia in newborns with birth asphyxia at a tertiary care centre: a prospective observational study - Report - MDSpire

Renal injury and hypocalcaemia in newborns with birth asphyxia at a tertiary care centre: a prospective observational study

  • By

  • Subhash Chandra Tard

  • Gajanand Singh Tanwar

  • Pramod Kumar Berwal

  • July 15, 2026

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Kidney Damage and Low Calcium Levels in Newborns Experiencing Birth Asphyxia

Overview

This study identifies a high incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and hypocalcaemia in term neonates suffering from birth asphyxia.

Background

Birth asphyxia is a critical condition leading to significant neonatal morbidity and mortality, particularly affecting renal function and calcium homeostasis. The study highlights the prevalence of these complications and their relationship with the severity of asphyxia.

Data Highlights

ParameterFindings
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)55.7% (88/158)
Hypocalcaemia58.2% (92/158)
Elevated Serum Creatinine69.6% (110/158)
Elevated Urea65.8% (104/158)

Key Findings

  • AKI was observed in 55.7% of neonates with birth asphyxia.
  • Hypocalcaemia occurred in 58.2% of the studied neonates.
  • Elevated serum creatinine levels were noted in 69.6% of cases.
  • Serum creatinine and urea peaked at 48 hours post-birth.
  • Serum calcium levels significantly declined within the first 48 hours, especially in severe cases.

Clinical Implications

Routine biochemical monitoring of renal function and serum calcium levels is crucial in neonates with birth asphyxia.

Conclusion

The study reports a high incidence of AKI and hypocalcaemia in asphyxiated neonates.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Early continuous renal replacement therapy for acute kidney injury in a very low birth weight infant: a case report and literature review
  2. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- Construction and Validation of a Risk Prediction Model for Early Acute Kidney Injury in Asphyxiated Neonates
  3. BMJ Paediatrics Open, 2026 -- Breast milk–associated physiological hypercalcaemia: an observational study of clinical, biochemical and radiological outcomes
  4. Frontiers in Medicine — Independent factors associated with renal impairment in preeclampsia and its association with maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes
  5. Therapeutic Hypothermia for Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: Clinical Report
  6. Neonatal Life Support: 2025 International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation Consensus
  7. Part 5: Neonatal Resuscitation | American Heart Association CPR & First Aid
  8. Highlights of the 2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care
  9. Acute Kidney Injury in Neonates: A Meta-Analysis | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
  10. Neonatal Acute Kidney Injury - PMC
  11. Advocating for the inclusion of kidney health outcomes in neonatal research: best practice recommendations by the Neonatal Kidney Collaborative - PMC
  12. Evaluation of risk factors and outcomes of neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and acute kidney injury | Journal of Perinatology
  13. Incidence and risk factors associated with acute kidney injury in newborns receiving therapeutic hypothermia - PubMed
  14. Association between Serum Calcium Level and Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) Stages in Term Neonate with Perinatal Asphyxia | Journal of Comilla Medical College Teachers' Association
  15. Biochemical profile of term neonates with perinatal asphyxia and their correlation with severity of asphyxia - PMC
  16. Neonatal Hypocalcemia: Common, Uncommon, and Rare Etiologies - PubMed

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