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Hyponatraemia caused by repeated cerebrospinal fluid drainage in post haemorrhagic hydrocephalus
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|May 1, 1983
Insights
Hyponatremic infants with hydrocephalus treated with cerebrospinal fluid drainage may lose significant sodium. Close monitoring of serum sodium is crucial during treatment to prevent complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Neonatology
Background:
- Post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus is a serious complication in infants, often requiring intervention.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage is a common treatment for managing hydrocephalus.
Observation:
- Three infants with hyponatremia (low serum sodium) presented with post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus.
- These infants underwent repeated CSF drainage procedures.
Findings:
- Significant amounts of sodium (up to 3 mmol per tap) could be lost through CSF drainage.
- Oral sodium supplementation was necessary to manage hyponatremia in these infants.
Implications:
- Serum sodium levels must be closely monitored in infants undergoing regular CSF drainage.
- This highlights a potential risk of sodium depletion associated with CSF diversion in infants.
- Early detection and management of electrolyte imbalances are critical in this patient population.
Abstract:
Three hyponatraemic infants had post-haemorrhagic hydrocephalus which was treated by repeated drainage of cerebrospinal fluid. Each required oral sodium supplements. The concentration of sodium in the cerebrospinal fluid was such that as much as 3 mmol of sodium could have been removed with each ventricular tap. Serum sodium concentrations should be monitored closely in any infant requiring regular drainage of cerebrospinal fluid.