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RED‐CELL POTASSIUM IN CHRONIC FETAL ASPHYXIA
Author(s) -
Singh H. A.,
Symonds E. M.
Publication year - 1972
Publication title -
bjog: an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.157
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1471-0528
pISSN - 1470-0328
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1972.tb12192.x
Subject(s) - potassium , fetus , acidosis , cord blood , red cell , asphyxia , medicine , red blood cell , metabolic acidosis , placenta , acid–base homeostasis , endocrinology , bicarbonate , venous blood , chemistry , anesthesia , pregnancy , biology , genetics , organic chemistry
Summary A study of the relationship between acid‐base balance and red‐cell potassium has been undertaken on maternal and fetal blood in 141 subjects. Metabolic acidosis resulting from chronic fetal asphyxia as determined by low blood p H, high P co 2 , low standard bicarbonate and high lactic acid values is associated with a fall in red‐ cell potassium and a rise in plasma potassium in cord arterial blood. In cord venous blood, a significant positive relationship between red‐cell potassium and p H was demonstrated, but a relationship between plasma potassium and red‐cell potassium could not be demonstrated. These findings suggest that correction of plasma potassium occurs in the passage of fetal blood through the placenta and that a depletion of red‐cell potassium occurs under conditions of fetal acidosis until a new equilibrium is reached.