Hypernatraemic dehydration and acute gastro-enteritis in children

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F Abu-Ekteish1, J Zahraa

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan. faisall52@yahoo.com

Annals of Tropical Paediatrics
|October 9, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Artificial milk, especially evaporated cow's milk powder, significantly increases hypernatraemic dehydration risk in infants with gastroenteritis. Breastfeeding is protective, highlighting the need for maternal education on safe infant feeding practices.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Gastroenterology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hypernatraemic dehydration is a serious complication in infants with acute gastroenteritis.
  • Artificial milk formulae, particularly evaporated cow's milk, are suspected contributors.
  • Understanding feeding practices is crucial for preventing severe outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of artificial milk formulae in hypernatraemic dehydration among infants with gastroenteritis.
  • To compare feeding practices between hypernatraemic and isonatraemic dehydration groups.
  • To record morbidity and mortality associated with hypernatraemic dehydration.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study over 2 years.
  • Inclusion of 67 infants (18 days-18 months) with hypernatraemic dehydration (serum sodium ≥ 150 mmol/L).
  • Comparison with a control group of infants with gastroenteritis and normal sodium levels.

Main Results:

  • 36% of hypernatraemic infants were fed evaporated cow's milk powder, versus 15% in controls (p < 0.01).
  • Only 7.5% of hypernatraemic infants were breastfed, compared to 60% of controls (p < 0.00001).
  • Convulsions occurred in 6 hypernatraemic children, and 2 died.

Conclusions:

  • Artificial milk feeding, especially evaporated cow's milk, is a significant predisposing factor for hypernatraemia in infantile gastroenteritis.
  • Breastfeeding is strongly associated with protection against hypernatraemic dehydration.
  • Maternal education on avoiding evaporated cow's milk formulae for infants under one year is essential.

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