Hypernatremic dehydration complicated by peripheral gangrene in infancy

Two infants with hypernatremic dehydration (HD) who developed peripheral gangrene are described. A review of the literature revealed 10 infants who had HD and gangrene of the extremities. This combination could occur because of hypoperfusion and sluggish blood movement due to hyperviscosity, which coexist in HD, resulting in a disturbed microcirculation. We feel that the association of peripheral gangrene with HD may be a more frequent phenomenon than previously believed.