Infantile Status Epilepticus: A Case of Excessive Water Intake in a Five-Month-Old Girl

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Medicine
• Neonatology
• Clinical Case Reports

Background:

• Hyponatremia is a frequent cause of seizures in infants under six months.
• Water intoxication is a rare but life-threatening cause of hyponatremia.

Observation:

• A five-month-old infant presented with status epilepticus, facial puffiness, cyanosis, and severe hyponatremia.
• The infant's condition was secondary to water intoxication.

Findings:

• The patient was successfully diagnosed and managed with appropriate investigations and laboratory tests.
• This case highlights the critical link between water intoxication and secondary status epilepticus in young infants.

Implications:

• Emphasizes the importance of considering water intoxication in infants presenting with seizures and hyponatremia.
• Underscores the need for prompt recognition and intervention to prevent severe neurological complications.
• Provides valuable insights for clinicians managing pediatric hyponatremia and seizures.