LAUSR

Introduction Metabolic alkalosis in neonates is very rare and attributed to gastric fluid losses, diuretics and congenital chloride diarrhoea(CCH). There were four cases reported: due to maternal bulimia and Bartter’s, vomiting and CCH. None of them had seizures. Case report A new-born was born in good condition by emergency LSCS for IUGR, preeclampsia and suboptimal CTG. She developed desaturation of 80% at 30 min of age followed by apnoea and seizures. Antenatally, Mother had persistent vomiting for last one month, cocaine and amphetamine abuse and active Hepatitis C infection. The examination revealed irritability and hypertonia. Rest of the history and examination weren’t significant. Mother and the baby showed hypochloraemic metabolic alkalosis with deranged renal function and electrolytes except potassium of 3.5 and 2.4 in baby and mother respectively; urine was positive for opiates and cocaine. CFAM showed seizure activities. EEG and MRI head were unremarkable. Infections and metabolic screening remained negative. She was ventilated and treated with designer electrolytes solution, antibiotics and anticonvulsants. Due to renal impairment acyclovir was not given. Both made uneventful recovery. Because of maternal substance abuse baby was discharged to grandparents with supervised access to parents. Discussion Maternal hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis was likely secondary to prolonged vomiting The placental simple diffusion and haemodialysis effects explain the similar levels of electrolytes and renal function in mother and New–born except potassium. Initial normal (3.5 mmol/L) and later low (2.4 mmol/L) potassium levels are explainable by unidirectional placental potassium fluxes and intracellular shifting in alkalosis respectively. Desaturation and apnoea were due to shift of oxygen dissociation curve to left and hypoventilation by alkalosis. Early onset seizures were likely secondary to neuromuscular effect of alkalosis. This case illustrates the importance of close follow up of new–borns with maternal deranged electrolytes and renal impairment. References . Paediatric Metabolic Alkalosis. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/906819-overview . Voyame J, Terrier P, Guignard JP, Cachat F. Transient hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis in a newborn mimicking Bartter‘s syndrome. J Pediatr1999;134:794. . McNanley T, Woods J. Glob. libr. women’s med (ISSN: 1756–2228)2008; doi:10.3843/GLOWM.10195 . Stocker M. Metabolic alkalosis in a newborn infant. Swiss Society of Neonatology. [email protected]