Hyperammonemia associated with perinatal asphyxia
Goldberg, R.N.; Cabal, L.A.; Sinatra, F.R.; Plajstek, C.E.; Hodgman, J.E.
Pediatrics 64(3): 336-341
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-4005 PMID: 481980 Document Number: 144350
Twelve infants with severe perinatal asphyxia were found to have elevated blood ammonia levels (302 to 960 microgram/100 ml). In the seven survivors, hyperammonemia was associated with CNS irritability, hyperthermia, hypertension, and wide neonatal heart rate oscillations. Follow-up examinations revealed severe neurologic dysfunction in five of seven infants. CNS depression, hyperthermia, hypertension, and a nonreactive, fixed heart rate characterized the infants that died. These findings suggest a clinical entity secondary to perinatal asphyxia whose signs and symptoms may be related to hyperammonemia.