Effect of High Sodium Intake (5 mEq/kg/day) in Preterm Newborns (<35 Weeks Gestation) During the Initial 24 Hours of Life: A Non-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial.

The objective was to analyze effect of early sodium administration in preterm newborns <35 weeks of gestation. The development of hypo- and hyper-natremia, complications, and mortality showed no difference between high sodium and low sodium groups. The percentage of weight loss from birth to 48 hours (7.13% vs 4.08%) and 72 hours (9.02% vs 6.34%) was significantly lower in the high sodium intake group (P=0.036). Early sodium implementation in preterm newborns may improve weight loss and decrease related complications.