![]() ![]() In rare instances, either due to only free water loss or improper mixing of oral rehydration powder with less amount of water by caregivers, diarrhoea can lead to hypernatraemic state. Sometimes the body compensates by retaining free water which leads to a state of hyponatraemic dehydration due to ongoing electrolyte loss. Eunatraemic dehydration is the most common presentation as water and electrolytes are lost in proportionate amount. It is often associated with dehydration due to poor oral intake along with loss of fluids and electrolytes from ongoing vomiting and diarrhoea. Gastroenteritis is a very common presentation in paediatric ED. This would allow the cautious and tailored administration of intravenous fluids, particularly in rural and peripheral healthcare settings where facilities for blood tests could be limited. Nocturnal lagophthalmos is a clinical sign which has never been reported in the medical literature with hypernatraemia and if brought to the attention of clinicians, may add to the early recognition of hypernatraemic dehydration. The exception to this is hypernatraemic dehydration. Blood tests are not routinely performed in children presenting with gastroenteritis as it usually does not modify management. Investigations revealed hypernatraemic dehydration and management of the same led to resolution of their symptoms. Both cases described below presented to the ED with features of gastroenteritis and were found to be sleeping with their eyes wide open. In comparison to hyponatraemic and eunatraemic dehydration, children with hypernatraemic dehydration are usually alert except for a few classic signs such as doughy feel of the abdominal skin. Hypernatraemic dehydration does not usually present with obvious clinical signs. Dehydration in a child presenting with features of acute gastroenteritis is a common presentation to the paediatric emergency department (ED). ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |