1471-0528/asset/BJO_left.gif?v=1&s=0fb87361cdb6be25fdf05019eed6d47f5143f610)
1471-0528/asset/olbannerright.gif?v=1&s=3892ef16ff18d6834c302faf85268a49f5fc588f)
BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN PROLONGED LABOUR IN THE TROPICS
Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005
DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1977.tb12507.x
Issue
1471-0528/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=b4e1d96c46e18c61210d584b63c13ee375cf562b "BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology")
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Volume 84, Issue 11, pages 855–858, November 1977
Additional Information
How to Cite
Akinkugbe, A., Adewoye, H. O. and Eneli, A. C. (1977), BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN PROLONGED LABOUR IN THE TROPICS. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 84: 855–858. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1977.tb12507.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 23 AUG 2005
- Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Summary
Serum electrolytes, creatinine, urea and urine osmolality were estimated in 25 healthy pregnant women at term, 25 women in early normal labour, and 25 healthy parturients in prolonged labour. A statistically significant fall in serum potassium was found in early labour with a further significant fall in prolonged labour. Bicarbonate changes followed the same pattern of a progressive fall. Sodium fell slowly, reaching significant levels only in prolonged labour and chloride fell even more slowly. There was a conspicuous or significant rise in serum urea with a smaller, not significant rise in creatinine. The rapid insensible loss of water in tropical areas was reflected in the rise in serum urea while homeostatic mechanisms maintained a slower fall in sodium and chloride by renal conservation.