Effect of Prenatal Steroids on Potassium Balance in Extremely Low Birth Weight Neonates

Abstract

We conclude that treatment with PNS prevents the nonoliguric hyperkalemia known to occur in ELBW neonates. We speculate that PNS induces upregulation of cell membrane sodium, potassium-adenosinetriphosphatase activity in the fetus. The differences in negative potassium balance may be accounted for by stabilization of cell membranes that may result in a decrease in potassium shift from intracellular to extracellular compartments.