Publication: The Threat Beyond Weight Loss: A Case Series on Severe Neonatal Hypernatremic Dehydration
Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Perinatal Society of Nepal (PESON)
Abstract
Abstract:
Neonatal hypernatremic dehydration, often resulting from suboptimal breastfeeding, is a life-threatening condition characterized by severe electrolyte imbalances. Lack of awareness about postnatal weight monitoring delays diagnosis. Severe hypernatremia (Serum sodium > 170 mEq / L) can cause acute kidney injury (AKI), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), cerebral edema and death. We wanted to describe the clinical profiles, complications, and outcomes of neonates with severe hypernatremic dehydration due to suboptimal breastfeeding. The case series describes eight neonates admitted with severe hypernatremic dehydration in our NICU. All neonates were exclusively breastfed. Poor feeding was noted in 87.5% neonates. 12.5% presented in gasping respiration with severe metabolic acidosis requiring intubation, 62.5% had shock, 87% had AKI, 37.5% had seizures and 20% had intracranial bleeding. One neonate died from cerebral edema; another developed limb gangrene. This case series highlights the importance of prevention of dehydration from suboptimal breastfeeding with early postnatal weight monitoring and timely interventions.
Description
Sangeetha Rachel John
Senior Resident, Department of Paediatrics, SUT Academy of Medical Science Vencod, Vattappara, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – 695028, India.
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6798-2174
Aswathy Rahul
Assistant Professor, Department of Neonatology, Government Medical College, Ulloor, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695011, India.
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2125-8169
Radhika Sujatha
Professor and Head of Department, Department of Neonatology, Government Medical College, Ulloor, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695011, India.
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4785-3556
Keywords
Breastfeeding, Dehydration, Hypernatremic dehydration, Neonates