Hypernatremic Dehydration in Breastfed Neonates: Clinical Findings and Risk Factors.

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Neonatal hypernatremic dehydration (NHD) poses significant risks, including hospitalization, severe complications, and mortality.
• Exclusively breastfed neonates can experience malnutrition in the early postnatal period despite breast milk's benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate clinical presentations, maternal and neonatal risk factors, and prevention strategies for NHD.
• Focus on term and late-preterm infants exclusively breastfed.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective evaluation of 141 neonates diagnosed with NHD (serum sodium ≥150 mEq/L).
• Inclusion criteria: gestational age ≥35 weeks, exclusively breastfed, hospitalized between 2019-2023.
• Statistical analysis using SPSS 25.0.

Main Results:

• Mean age at presentation was 4 days; 53% were male.
• Significant mean weight loss of 11.33% from birth to admission.
• Common presentations included malnutrition (46.8%) and jaundice (41.1%).

Conclusions:

• Increased awareness of NHD among mothers and healthcare providers is paramount.
• Strategies like early postnatal check-ups, close monitoring of neonatal weight loss, and lactation support can decrease NHD-related hospitalizations.