Hypernatremic Dehydration in Breastfed Neonates: Clinical Findings and Risk Factors

BACKGROUND: Neonatal hypernatremic dehydration (NHD) is a dangerous disease that can lead to hospitalization of the infant, serious complications, and death. Despite the significant advantages of breast milk for both the mother and the baby, some neonates who are exclusively breastfed experience malnutrition in the first few days. RESEARCH AIM: This study aims to evaluate the clinical presentations, maternal and neonatal risk factors, and preventive strategies for hypernatremic dehydration in term and late-preterm infants who were exclusively breastfed. METHODS: In this study, neonates who were hospitalised with the diagnosis of hypernatremic dehydration in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Mardin Training and Research Hospital between 2019 and 2023, who were exclusively breastfed after birth, whose gestational age was 35 weeks and above, and whose serum sodium concentration was measured ≥150 mEq/L were retrospectively evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0 software. RESULTS: A total of 141 newborns diagnosed with hypernatremic dehydration were included in the study. The mean age at presentation was 4 (1-20) days, and 53% of the patients were male. The mean birth weight was 3248.16±491.05 g, while the mean admission weight was 2885.67±477.61 g, indicating a significant weight loss of 11.33±7.46%. The mean maternal age was 28.95±6.22 years, and 41% of deliveries were by caesarean section. Transcranial ultrasonography was normal in 97.2% of the patients, while 2.8% had signs of haemorrhage or oedema. The most common presenting complaint was malnutrition (46.8%), followed by jaundice (41.1%). CONCLUSION: Awareness of NHD among both mothers and healthcare personnel is the most important factor. Calling babies for early postnatal check-ups, close monitoring of neonatal weight loss, and encouraging successful breastfeeding techniques may reduce hospitalization rates.