Severe hypernatremic dehydration and death in a breast-fed infant

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2001 Jun;17(3):175-80. doi: 10.1097/00006565-200106000-00006.

Abstract

Breast milk is acknowledged as the best source of nutrition for neonates. We present the case of a full-term newborn who was fed solely breast milk and developed severe dehydration and hypernatremia. The patient developed cerebral edema, transverse sinus thrombosis, and died. The literature on the uncommon entity of breast-feeding hypernatremia and dehydration is reviewed, and management strategies are presented.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Edema / etiology
  • Breast Feeding / adverse effects*
  • Dehydration / etiology*
  • Dehydration / therapy
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Fluid Therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypernatremia / etiology*
  • Hypernatremia / therapy
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Milk, Human / chemistry
  • Rehydration Solutions / analysis
  • Shock / etiology
  • Sodium / analysis

Substances

  • Rehydration Solutions
  • Sodium