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Chronic metabolic alkalosis in an infant with cystic fibrosis
P Eigenmann1, G Délèze, H Kuchler
1Department of Paediatrics, Regional Hospital, Sion, Switzerland.
Insights
Cystic fibrosis infants may develop metabolic alkalosis, presenting as anorexia and weight loss. Supplementation with sodium and potassium chloride resolved these symptoms, highlighting a crucial diagnostic consideration.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Medical Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder affecting multiple organs.
- Infants with CF often require intensive management for pulmonary and gastrointestinal issues.
- Metabolic complications in CF can be subtle and challenging to diagnose.
Observation:
- A 6-month-old infant with CF presented with anorexia, vomiting, and weight loss.
- Symptoms persisted despite standard CF treatment and absence of respiratory infection.
- These non-specific symptoms suggested an underlying metabolic disturbance.
Findings:
- The infant's symptoms were attributed to metabolic alkalosis.
- Oral supplementation with sodium and potassium chloride led to immediate symptom resolution.
- This case highlights an unusual but treatable metabolic complication in CF.
Implications:
- Metabolic alkalosis should be considered in CF infants with unexplained failure to thrive.
- Early identification and treatment of electrolyte imbalances are crucial for CF patient outcomes.
- This finding underscores the importance of comprehensive metabolic monitoring in pediatric CF care.
Abstract:
A 6-month-old infant suffering from cystic fibrosis is reported. In spite of an apparently appropriate treatment and in absence of respiratory infection, the patient showed progressive anorexia, intermittent vomiting and weight loss. These non-specific signs and symptoms could all be explained by metabolic alkalosis and disappeared immediately after oral supplementation with sodium and potassium chloride. This unusual metabolic complication should be searched for in every cystic fibrosis infant with unexplained anorexia and failure to thrive.