Prevalence and risk factors for hypernatremia in severely dehydrated infants at Kenyatta National Hospital
Abstract
Background
Hypernatremia is associated with a mortality rate ranging from 15% to 60%,
residual brain deficits, hypertonia and convulsions. Prevalence of hypernatremia
inseverely dehydrated infants has not been well described previously.
Objectives
A case control study was done to determine prevalence of hypernatremia in
severely dehydrated infants at Kenyatta National Hospital, risk factors for
hypernatremia in severely dehydrated infants and to document early adverse
clinical outcomes in infants with hypernatremic dehydration.
Methodology
Serum sodium levels of severely dehydrated infants were determined. Infants
presenting with hypernatremia were recruited as cases. Controls were infants
with normal sodium levels and those with hyponatremia. Characteristics of cases
and both controls were compared to determine risk factors for hypernatremia.
Early adverse clinical outcomes in the study population were documented by
clinical re-evaluation during the first seven days following admission
Citation
M.Med (Paediatrics and Child health) ThesisSponsorhip
University of NairobiPublisher
Department of Paediatrics and Child health, University of Nairobi
Description
Master of Medicine