Do Calcium and Potassium Levels Influence Ductal Patency in Preterm Infants?

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Abstract Objective We investigated the relationship of serum potassium (K+) and ionized calcium (iCa2+) levels with the persistence of ductus arteriosus. Study Design This retrospective cohort study included infants with birth weight < 1,500 g and gestational age < 32 weeks. Serum K+ and iCa2+ levels at the 1st and 48th hour of life were measured from samples. The difference between the two levels was calculated for both serum K+ (ΔK+) and iCa2+ (ΔCa2+). These values were compared between hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) and non-hsPDA. Results Of 1,322 hospitalized preterm nonates, 1,196 were included in the study. Mean serum K+ levels at the 1st and 48th hour were higher and iCa2+ levels at the 1st and 48th hour were lower in hsPDA and non-hsPDA, respectively (p < 0.001). Ionized ΔCa2+ (–0.06 ± 0.13 vs. –0.02 ± 0.12 mmol/L) was higher in hsPDA (p < 0.001). Conclusion We demonstrated that serum K+ and iCa2+ level might play a role in ductal constriction.