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Published on: April 11, 2018
Sodium chloride deficiency in cystic fibrosis patients
1Department of Paediatric Chest Disease, Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
Insights
Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients can experience sodium chloride deficiency (SCD) in infancy, leading to severe symptoms. This deficiency may be linked to genetic mutations and insufficient salt supplementation, especially in infants with high sweat rates.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder affecting multiple organs.
- Sodium chloride deficiency (SCD) is a potential complication in infants with CF, particularly those with high sweat rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence, clinical presentation, and potential causes of sodium chloride deficiency in infants with cystic fibrosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 12 CF patients diagnosed with SCD within their first year.
- Clinical data collection including symptoms, plasma and urinary electrolyte levels, and renal function tests.
- Genotyping for CFTR mutations.
Main Results:
- SCD occurred in 12/46 CF infants, presenting with dehydration, vomiting, and electrolyte imbalances (low plasma sodium, potassium, chloride).
- All patients exhibited alkalosis and elevated plasma renin activity; hematuria and hypercalciuria were also noted.
- Treatment involved intravenous fluids and electrolytes; oral salt supplementation was deemed potentially insufficient for high-sweating infants.
Conclusions:
- Infantile SCD in CF patients is associated with significant electrolyte disturbances and potential renal complications.
- Genetic factors, including CFTR mutations (like F508), and inadequate salt intake may contribute to SCD in these infants.
- Close monitoring of electrolytes and appropriate salt supplementation are crucial for managing CF infants prone to excessive sweating.
Abstract:
Sodium chloride deficiency (SCD) was observed within the 1st year of life in 12 of 46 cystic fibrosis (CF) patients between July 1989 and September 1992. All patients showed sweating, loss of appetite, fever, vomiting, irritation, dehydration, weakness, and cyanosis during an attack. Mean plasma sodium, potassium and chloride levels were 122.9 (range 106-135), 2.5 (range 1.6-3.5), and 73.3 (range 60-90) mEq/l respectively. Alkalosis and elevated plasma renin activity were detected in all patients. Of the patients, 50% showed microscopic haematuria, and hypercalciuria was detected in two out of four patients. Low urinary sodium and high urinary potassium were observed in the four examined patients. Increased creatinine, BUN and uric acid values returned to normal with treatment. All the patients were treated initially with intravenous fluids and electrolyte solutions. All patients were less than 7 months of age during the first attack, five received only breast milk and the others breast milk with formula milk. Their oral salt supplement was 2-4 mEq/kg per day, which is recommended for CF patients, but could be deficient in excessively sweating infants. The genotype of these patients might be cause of high salt losses. F508 is the most common mutation with the frequency of 38% in our CF patients with SCD, but the frequency of unknown mutations is high (54%).
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