Sodium, potassium and chloride needs in low-birth-weight infants

A review of the daily requirements of sodium, potassium and chloride in preterm infants with particular emphasis on very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants is given against the background of our present knowledge of the homeostatic regulation of these electrolytes during early postnatal life. Particular attention has been given to the importance of balanced fluid and electrolyte homeostasis in the control of compartment volumes and tonicity. The risk of rapid changes of extracellular fluid osmolality for many organs, and particularly for the brain, has been stressed. In order to obtain an adequate sodium and fluid balance during the first postnatal weeks in preterm infants of varying gestational age, recommendations for sodium intake during the first 4-5 postnatal weeks are given.