Retrospective analysis of 102 neonatal cases hospitalized with diagnosis of the ongoing phenomenon of neonatal period: hypernatremic dehydration

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of hypernatremic dehydration (HD) among term neonates admitted to a tertiary care unit over a three-year period and to identify mother and neonate related risk factors associated with HD.
 Material and Method: Medical records of 102 term babies and their mothers were analyzed retrospectively. The gender, weight at birth, type of birth, postnatal day of diagnosis, weight and weight loss percentage at diagnosis, season and presenting complaint upon admission, feeding with human milk/formula/mixed, laboratory findings, usage of antibiotics as well as maternal age, parity, residence, level of education and presence of smoking were recorded. Serum sodium (Na) levels, severity of dehydration, age on admission, and length of stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were recorded along with any significant effect of maternal demographic properties, residence, season, gender, and type of birth.
 Results: The average Na levels were found to be 152.1±4.2 mEq/L (max:166 mEq/L). Mild, moderate and severe hypernatremia were found in 34 (33%), 62 (61%) and 6 (6%) patients, respectively. More weight loss was observed in neonates born via cesarean section vs. vaginal delivery (12.8±3.0% vs. 11.6±3.5%, p=0.01). Higher serum Na levels (153.9±4.86 mEq/L vs. 151±2.34 mEq/L, p=0.008) and a greater median age at admission (4.5 [IQR4-6]) days vs. 3 [IQR3-4]) days, p=0.03) were reported for neonates born to mothers residing in rural/suburban vs. urban areas. Serum Na levels were not different based on the mother's level of education or parity (p=0.96 and p=0.29, respectively). There was no difference in serum Na levels (p=0.05) but the percentage of weight loss was higher when the mother smoked (14.3±3.8% vs. 11.7±3.1%, p=0.003). Serum Na and glucose levels were lower, antibiotics usage rates, and prevalence of mixed feedings were higher in early term infants (p=0.01, p=0.002, p=0.04 and p=0.04, respectively). Males had higher creatinine levels (0.89±0.27 mg/dl vs. 0.78±0.28 mg/dl, p=0.005), but there was no difference between the sexes in terms of day of admission, percentage of weight loss, or length of stay in NICU.
 Conclusion: Hypernatremic dehydration is a significant and increasingly prevalent problem of neonatal period. Serum Na levels and severity of dehydration in neonates may be affected by the type of birth, mother's smoking status, residence and early term birth. Counseling on breastfeeding, education of health professionals and caregivers on the signs and symptoms of dehydration, and monitoring of body weight are essential for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of HD.