Clinical Trial: Use of Sterile Water Feeds for Treatment of Hypernatremia in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: The Use of Enteral Sterile Water Feeds for the Treatment of Hypernatremia in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants

Brief Summary:

The improved survival rate of extremely low birth weight(ELBW)infants has resulted in new fluid and electrolyte problems that have not been encountered previously,in particular electrolyte imbalance. ELBW infants are especially vulnerable to hypernatremia(serum sodium value >150 mEq/L). Hypernatremia may be due to rapid dehydration or excessive administration of intravenous fluids(IV)that contain sodium. The current treatment modality for hypernatremia is to increase IV fluids above daily requirements.Enteral sterile water feeds(ESWF)are theorized as an endogenous source of fluids that may decrease elevated electrolytes such as sodium and potassium in premature infants. By giving ESWF to decrease elevated electrolytes, there would be less need for large volumes of IVF that contribute to the co-morbidities of prematurity: bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD),intraventricular hemorrhage(IVH)and patent ductus arteriosus(PDA).

The purpose of this proposed study is to determine whether enteral sterile water feedings is effective in decreasing the incidence, duration and severity of hypernatremia in ELBW infants.


Detailed Summary:
Sponsor: Case Western Reserve University

Current Primary Outcome: serum sodium values [ Time Frame: Every 12 hours for 7 days ]

electrolytes will be measured every 12 hours from admission through the first seven days of life


Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome:

Original Secondary Outcome:

Information By: Case Western Reserve University

Dates:
Date Received: October 12, 2010
Date Started: November 2010
Date Completion:
Last Updated: February 26, 2013
Last Verified: February 2013