Hypernatremic Dehydration Risk Factors in Newborns: Prospective Case-Controlled Study

The prevalence of hypernatremic dehydration (HND) has increased in recent years most likely due to insufficient intake of breast milk as the most important factor. This study aimed to investigate risk factors of HND.

In this study, 47 neonates whom were diagnosed to have HND were included in the study group and 96 healty neonates whom were included in the control group. While demographic data of the patients were recorded, mothers were asked to fill out the sociodemographic/ psychosocial data form, Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale(EPDS) and STAI I and II State and Trait Anxiety Scale. Breast milk sodium concentrations were studied from mothers of all infants. The relationship between the development of neonatal HND and risk factors affecting this condition were evaluated.

Being the first-born baby of the family was found to be a significant risk factor for HND. Breast milk sodium concentration was 25.8±7.9 mmol/L in the HND group which was significantly higher than the control group. Median depression score was similar in both groups and there was no statistical difference in terms of groups. The anxiety score was higher in the control group compared to the study group. There was no difference in terms of other sociodemographic / psychosocial data of mothers.

Primiparity or insufficient breastfeeding may result in elevated breast milk sodium levels and related neonatal HND. Breastfeeding support should principally target primiparous women to improve breastfeeding outcomes like as especially HND.