Inadequate Breastfeeding may lead to Severe Hypernatremia: A Case Report

Salem Yahyaoui,Azza Sammoud,Sonia Mazigh

doi:10.21767/2471-9803.1000160

Abstract

Background: The benefits of breast feeding are well established worldwide. Inadequate breastfeeding may result in severe complications such as hypernatremic dehydration. This condition is rare and not well known. In this case report, we describe a case of severe hypernatremic dehydration revealed by fever with delayed consultation. Presentation of case: We report the case of an exclusively breastfed male newborn. He was referred on the 13th day of life because of lethargy and fever. He had a severe dehydration on clinical examination. Serum sodium was of 172 mmol/L. The breast milk sodium was high as compared to a volunteer control (85 mmol/L vs 19 mmol/L). Breastfeeding was temporarily suspended and reintroduced after 5 days with favorable evolution. Conclusion: Breast feeding associated hypernatremia can cause life-threatening complications in newborns. Prevention requires frequent and sufficient breastfeeding and weight gain monitoring during the first days of life.

Highlights

Breastfeeding is universally recognized as the best and the safest way to feed neonates
It has been reported that some healthy breast fed newborns developed hypernatremic dehydration
This paper describes and discusses a case of hypernatremic dehydration in an exclusively breast fed neonate revealed by fever

Summary

Introduction

Breastfeeding is universally recognized as the best and the safest way to feed neonates. It has been reported that some healthy breast fed newborns developed hypernatremic dehydration. Mechanisms, risk factors and management of hypernatraemia in breast fed newborns still controversial. This paper describes and discusses a case of hypernatremic dehydration in an exclusively breast fed neonate revealed by fever. We report the case of a 13-day-old male neonate admitted to our Pediatric Department because of lethargy and fever.

Results

Conclusion