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Neonatal hypernatraemic dehydration and malnutrition associated with inadequate breastfeeding and elevated breast

Julius Xavier Scott1, Raghunath, J Ebor Jacob Gnananayagam

  • 1Department of Child Health, Christian Medical College & Hospital Vellore, Vellore 632004.

Journal of the Indian Medical Association
|October 25, 2003
PubMed

Insights

High sodium in breast milk can cause hypernatraemia and poor weight gain in exclusively breastfed infants. Prompt treatment with fluids and monitoring of sodium levels is crucial for recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Nutrition
  • Pediatric Endocrinology

Background:

  • Breastfeeding offers significant benefits to both mothers and infants.
  • However, rare complications like infant malnutrition and hypernatraemia can occur due to inadequate breastfeeding or high sodium content in breast milk.

Observation:

  • A 15-day-old infant exclusively breastfed presented with failure to thrive.
  • Clinical evaluation revealed hypernatraemia (high serum sodium).
  • Analysis of the mother's breast milk indicated elevated sodium concentrations.

Findings:

  • The infant required intravenous fluid therapy to correct dehydration and hypernatraemia.
  • Following treatment, the infant's serum sodium and the mother's breast milk sodium levels normalized.
  • The infant subsequently achieved adequate weight gain on exclusive breastfeeding.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of monitoring infant electrolytes and breast milk composition in specific clinical scenarios.
  • Early identification and management of hypernatraemia due to high breast milk sodium are essential for infant well-being.
  • Clinicians should consider breast milk sodium levels when evaluating exclusively breastfed infants with unexplained hypernatraemia or poor weight gain.

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